An acoustic neuroma is a benign tumor of the nerve that controls balance. It runs alongside the nerve that controls hearing. Tumors may arise where the nerve begins at the brainstem (cerebellopontine angle) or further along the nerve in the internal auditory canal, closer to the inner ear. Symptoms may include hearing loss, ringing in the ear, dizziness or vertigo. Most tumors grow slowly. Initially, some tumors (except for larger tumors), may be observed with MRIs to assess for growth and change. Treatment options include radiation (Cyberknife or Gammaknife - focused radiation) or surgery.
