Acoustic Neuroma Symptoms & It's Affect on Vision

What is Acoustic Neuroma?

Acoustic neuroma is basically a kind of noncancerous brain tumor that causes a variety of problems; it is also widely known as vestibular schwannoma. This noncancerous tumor grows slowly and the main vestibular nerve begins from the inner ear and reaches the brain. The condition directly affects hearing ability, mobility, body balance, etc and any pressure on the cranial nerves can lead to loss of balance, headache, hearing loss, and many other health-related issues.

This condition is usually caused when Schwann cells cover the vestibular nerves which leads to slow or restricted growth that ultimately puts pressure and interfaces with the vital functions of the brain. When the tumor grows in size it presses the cranial nerve that is responsible for controlling facial expressions and sensations. Further when the tumor grows large and affects the cerebellum then it might create a life-threatening condition.

What are the symptoms of Acoustic neuroma?

Initially, there are no warning signs or symptoms of this condition but as the condition gets worse; it shows symptoms that can be identified. Once the symptoms start to appear one should immediately try to consult an expert neurologist for their condition.

Some of the symptoms one can notice might include:

• Loss of hearing
• Tinnitus or ringing in the ear
• Headache
• Change of taste
• Facial weakness
• Vertigo
• Facial numbness
• Problem with a body balance issue
• Confusion
• Clumsiness
• Unsteadiness
• Loss of control over facial expressions
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Blurry vision
• Double vision
• Facial paralysis
• Spasm and pain

Also, read - Brain Tumor Detection using SVM

Diagnosis

The Doctors first ask for the symptoms and perform a physical examination in order to identify the exact problem. Further, based on his observations he might recommend or ask for a few tests, some of which might include:

• An Audiogram test is required in order to check the hearing ability of the person.
• Auditory brainstem response is done in order to measure the response of the hearing nerves to check the brain stem function and see the neural response towards the sound.
• Electronystagmography is a test that is required to see the body balance and check the functioning of the eyes and ears nerves.
• MRI and CT scans are imaging tests that are done in order to identify or locate the tumor and measure the size of the tumor so that it can be removed.

Also, read - How Long Does Brain Tumors Go Undetected?

How does Acoustic neuroma affect vision?

The exact cause of Acoustic neuroma is unknown but it carries potential risk factors that affect hearing, and vision and interferes with a lot of other functioning of the body. There are a lot of individuals that suffer from eye problems that get developed due to Acoustic neuroma. A lot of individuals suffer from double vision which is also known as diplopia which occurs when they suffer from a lot of pressure on the cranial nerve that causes impairment of the muscles of the eyes also leads to artificial tears and affects the eye lubricants.

It is seen that in many cases after the surgical removal of Acoustic neuroma people start to develop eye-related problems. The facial weakness causes incomplete closure of eyelids, irritation of the cornea, and blurry vision and it might even lead to blindness in severe cases. One should keep the eyes moist and use barriers while sleeping in order to protect the eye from irritation and dryness. For this one should use artificial tears and barriers should be applied during sleep such as an eye patch so that it does not contribute to any kind of corneal damage. Such precautions are necessary to protect the eyes.

Also, read - Cornea Transplant Risks & Preventions

How can we help with the treatment?

If you are looking for neurology treatment in India then be assured, we will assist you and guide you throughout your medical treatment and will be physically present with you even before it begins.

The following will be provided to you:

• Expert physicians, eye doctors, and neurosurgeons
• Transparent communication
• Coordinated assistance
• Prior appointments with specialists and follow-up queries
• Assistance with medical tests
• Assistance with hospital formalities
• 24*7 availability
• Rehabilitation
• Travel arrangements
• Assistance for accommodation and healthy recovery
• Assistance in emergencies

Our team offers high-quality health travel and care to our patients throughout their course of treatment. We have a team of highly qualified and devoted health professionals that will assist you in your medical tour.