Vestibular Schwannoma
Vestibular Schwannoma, also known as acoustic neuroma, is a benign tumor that develops on the vestibular nerve, which is responsible for balance. This tumor arises from Schwann cells, which produce the myelin sheath that insulates nerve fibers. Although non-cancerous, it can cause various symptoms due to pressure on nearby structures, particularly the cochlear nerve, affecting hearing and balance.
Symptoms of vestibular schwannoma may include hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and balance difficulties. Diagnosis typically involves imaging techniques like MRI scans. Treatment options vary based on tumor size and symptoms, ranging from monitoring to surgical removal or radiation therapy.