Neurinoma of the auditory nerve

The neurinoma of the auditory nerve is a benign tumor that forms from the cells that make up the seventh cranial nerve. It consists of several parts that are responsible for the function of hearing and vestibular analysis and control. This pathology is typical for patients aged 50-60 years. This tumor is characterized by slow growth.

Etiology

The causes of such a tumor are not established, the risk factors also remain unknown. In rare cases, the neurinoma of the auditory nerve is a sign of neurofibromatosis, which is a genetic pathology. In this clinical picture, the tumor is often bilateral.

Symptoms

Hearing loss, dizziness are signs that characterize the neurinoma of the auditory nerve. Symptoms occur after a short time after the appearance of the tumor and are typical for typical cases of the disease. Hearing impairment is the first clinical manifestation of neurinoma. It has the character of irritation, which manifests itself on the side of tumor development. Patients hear noises and various sounds. Some do not notice significant disorders in the auditory function.

The gradual development of the tumor provokes dizziness, which in some cases take the character of vestibular crises. In this case, they are accompanied by vomiting and nausea. At objective research the horizontal kind of nystagmus is revealed which becomes expressed at a direct sight aside tumoral formation. The cochlear, vestibular parts of the nerve are affected simultaneously.

The next symptom that appears in the disease is pain and parasthesia, which are localized on the side of the tumor. They have a dull, aching character. In the first period of this pathological condition, they can spontaneously subside. These pains are caused by pressure, which the tumor exerts on the trigeminal nerve, passing near the vestibulo-cochlear. In some cases, pain sensations take a paroxysmal character. Therefore, they are accepted for trigeminal neuralgia and dental diseases. As you grow, the pressure of the tumor increases, and the pain becomes permanent.

Further clinical manifestations depend on the growth of the neoplasm. With growth up and back, there are symptoms of damage to the cerebellar tissue. When developing down and back, the wandering and glossopharyngeal nerve is affected, at which disorders of the swallowing function, depression of sensitivity, phonation, reduction of the pharyngeal reflex are observed.

The neurinoma of the auditory nerve almost does not interfere with the sensory and motor functions. The pyramidal system is affected insignificantly, while reflexes are increased.

The late symptom is increased cerebral pressure. This reduces the field of view.

Diagnostics

It requires the following methods:

- an audiogram that helps to measure the hearing in each ear;

- Electronastagmography, which allows you to track rapid eye movement and dizziness when filling the ear canal with air or hot water;

- auditory test, which helps evaluate the response of the brain stem;

- Magnetic resonance imaging;

- CT scan.

All these methods allow differentiating this pathology from other brain tumors, such as neurinoma of the brain.

Treatment

There are several options for treating this tumor: expectant management, radiosurgery, surgical intervention. At small sizes, unexpressed clinical manifestations and old age of the patient, the first method is used. In all other situations, the neurinoma of the auditory nerve requires surgical intervention.