What is Acoustic Neuroma Removal?

An acoustic neuroma is a benign (noncancerous) tumor. It grows on the acoustic nerve, which runs from the brain to the ear. This type of tumor typically grows slowly. It may cause hearing loss, balance problems, facial numbness, and headaches.

The Acoustic Nerve © 2009 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

There are three main treatment options for an acoustic neuroma:

• Careful monitoring
• Radiation therapy
• Microsurgical removal

This fact sheet focuses on microsurgical removal.

• Tumor is growing

• Concern that tumor size may become life-threatening

• Tumor is causing hearing problems

A successful procedure results in complete removal of the tumor with minimal additional hearing loss.

Possible Complications

Side effects may be temporary or permanent. If you are planning to have this surgery, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:

• Hearing loss
• Excessive eye dryness
• Difficulty with balance
• Ringing in your ears ( Tinnitus )
• Facial weakness and numbness on the side of the tumor
• Headaches
• Infection
• Bleeding
• Leakage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

Some factors that may increase the risk of complications include:

• Your age
• Size of the tumor

Call Your Doctor

After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if you have:

• Signs of infection, including fever, chills, and neck stiffness
• Worsening headache
• Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding,...