Acoustic Neuroma Treatment in Bangalore

How is Acoustic Neuroma Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of acoustic neuroma will usually involve recording the medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic studies. Here’s an overview of the diagnostic process:

• Patient history and physical examination: The doctor will ask about your symptoms, including any hearing loss, balance problems, or other related symptoms, and then perform a physical examination that may include tests of hearing, balance, and the function of the facial nerve.
• Audiometric tests: These tests, which include pure-tone audiometry and speech audiometry, assess hearing loss and help to distinguish sensorineural from conductive hearing loss.
• Imaging tests: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the imaging modality of choice for diagnosing an acoustic neuroma. MRI produces detailed images of the brain’s internal structures and accurately reveals the presence, size, and location of a tumor.
• Additional diagnostic assessments: In certain instances, supplementary diagnostic evaluations may be carried out to appraise equilibrium function, such as electronystagmography (ENG) or videonystagmography (VNG), that probe ocular movements within the optional stimuli.

After being diagnosed, additional examination may be required to choose the best treatment policy, which can consider monitoring, operative treatment, or radiotherapy, depending upon factors such as the extent of the tumor, its location, and the patient’s overall health.

Treatment Measures

The management of acoustic neuroma may involve a variety of treatments depending on such factors as the size of the tumor, its location, and the patient’s overall health. Here's a brief overview:

• Monitoring: For small, slowly growing tumors, or tumors that are causing minimal symptoms, a “wait and see” approach may be recommended. Regular MRI scans allow your healthcare provider to measure the tumor's growth and determine if treatment is needed.
   
• Surgery: Surgical removal of the acoustic neuroma may be recommended, especially for larger tumors that are causing significant symptoms or interfering with related structures. The goals of surgery are to safely remove the tumor and preserve the facial nerve function and hearing whenever possible. Surgical techniques can include microsurgery or minimally invasive approaches like endoscopy.
   
• Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy, such as stereotactic radiosurgery (e.g., Gamma Knife or CyberKnife), may be considered for patients with small to moderate-sized tumors who are not good candidates for surgery due to factors such as advanced age, poor health, or tumor location that makes surgery difficult. The goals of radiation therapy are to control tumor growth by directing highly targeted radiation at the tumor while minimizing damage to healthy tissues surrounding it.
   
• Supportive therapy: This might include the methods of managing symptoms such as hearing loss, tinnitus, balance issues, and facial weakness or numbness. Supportive therapy can comprise of utilizing hearing aids, and vestibular rehabilitation for balance issues along with counseling or support groups to help patients cope with the emotional and psychological impact of the treatment process.

A multidisciplinary approach involving neurosurgeons, otolaryngologists (ENT specialists), neurologists, and radiation oncologists is often employed to develop a tailored treatment plan for each patient.