An acoustic neuroma is a rare, non-cancerous (benign) brain tumour. It grows on the acoustic nerve (also known as the vestibulocochlear nerve), which helps to control your hearing and balance. This nerve also runs alongside the facial nerve, which carries information from the brain to the muscles of the face.
Acoustic neuromas grow from a type of cell called a Schwann cell. Schwann cells help to cover nerve cells, keeping them insulated. Acoustic neuromas are therefore sometimes known as vestibular Schwannomas.
An acoustic neuroma tends to grow very slowly, and will not spread from the original site of the tumour. Sometimes, an acoustic neuroma is so small and slow-growing that it will not cause any symptoms or problems.
However, some acoustic neuromas can cause problems with your hearing, balance, and the muscles in your face. Symptoms can vary in severity, and they tend to develop gradually.
An acoustic neuroma is not normally a life-threatening condition. In very rare cases the tumour can grow large enough to press on the brain (see the 'complications' section). However, most acoustic neuromas can be treated before they get to this stage.
How common is it?
All types of brain tumour are relatively rare. Acoustic neuromas account for eight out of 100 primary brain tumours (tumours which originate in the brain, rather than spreading to the brain from other parts of the body). Every year in the UK, approximately 13 people out of every million are diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma.
Acoustic neuromas tend to be more common in women than in men, although the reasons for this are not yet understood. People who are 30-60 years of age are most commonly affected. This condition is very rare in children.
