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Vestibular schwannoma; Tumor - acoustic; Cerebellopontine angle tumor; Angle tumor
The symptoms vary based on the size and location of the tumor. Because the tumors grow so slowly, symptoms usually start after the age of 30.
Common symptoms include:
Less common symptoms include:
The health care provider may diagnose an acoustic neuroma based on your medical history, an examination of your nervous system, or tests. A physical examination may show the following signs:
If the tumor is large, there may also be signs of increased pressure on the brain (increased intracranial pressure), including the following:
The most useful test to identify acoustic neuromas is an MRI of the head. Other useful tests used to diagnose acoustic neuroma and to tell it apart from other causes of dizziness or vertigo include:
Abram S, Rosenblatt P, Holcomb S. Stereotactic radiation techniques in the treatment of acoustic schwannomas. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2007;40:571-588.
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Backous DD, Pham HT. Guiding patients through the choices for treating vestibular schwannomas: balancing options and ensuring informed consent. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2007;40:521-540.