Allergic disorder

DEFINITION

Acoustic neuromas are also known as vestibular schwannomas.

They are benign subarachnoid tumours linked to problems associated with hearing and balance, due to pressure on cranial nerve VII (CN VIII – vestibulocochlear nerve).

EPIDEMIOLOGY

  • This is a rare condition thought to occur in 1 in 100,000 people annually.
  • There is a greater incidence in patients between 40-60 years old.

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

  • Benign tumour cells proliferate and develop from the Schwann cells of CN VIII, which are cells that provide the myelins heath around neurones and help make up the peripheral nervous system.
  • Malignant transformation of acoustic neuromas is rare.

AETIOLOGY

  • The majority of cases are sporadic
  • Genetic – neurofibromatosis type II is a rare condition associated with bilateral acoustic neuromas. This may happen due to variation in the NF2 gene.

RISK FACTORS

  • TSeveral risk factors have been investigated but have conflicting evidence suggesting their association with acoustic neuromas, including.
  • Low-dose radiation exposure from childhood
  • High noise exposure
  • Consistently high mobile phone use

FEATURES

  • This is a rare condition thought to occur in 1 in 100,000 people annually.
  • There is a greater incidence in patients between 40-60 years old.
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