Acoustic neuroma is a rare benign (non-cancerous) tumour that arises from the sheath surrounding the vestibulocochlear nerve (the nerve that helps you to hear and maintain balance in posture). In most cases, the tumour is not diagnosed in the initial stages as the symptoms are likely to be subtle and may not appear in the beginning stages of growth. To diagnose acoustic neuroma, your doctor will ask a number of questions pertaining to your medical history, perform a physical exam and recommend a number of tests or procedures. Scroll down to know more on how acoustic neuroma is diagnosed.
Medical history: Your doctor may ask you a number of questions similar to the ones below;
Apart from asking questions, your doctor will gather the personal history of your medical problems, medicines (prescribed or not prescribes and other supplements) you may be taking and family history of any medical condition. The doctor will do a complete ‘general physical exam’ (such as take your pulse, blood pressure, look at the skin within the ears and eyes) and a neurological exam (test for hearing, balance or any other neurological problem).
Acoustic Neuroma Tests: If the signs and symptoms suggest acoustic neuroma, your doctor may recommend several tests to confirm the diagnosis of acoustic neuroma. Some tests done for acoustic neuroma include:
These are some tests that can help the doctor detect acoustic neuroma in the initial stages, determine the location and size of tumor and plan treatment.