
Multidisciplinary Care for Acoustic Neuromas, also Known as Vestibular Schwannomas
To schedule an appointment, please call one of our locations below.
Downtown:
Lou and Jean Malnati Brain Tumor Institute: 833.88.BRAIN (833.882.7246).
Department of Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose & Throat): 312.695.8182
West Suburbs:
Central DuPage Hospital: 630.933.4056
North Suburbs (Evanston): 847.535.6464
Department of Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose & Throat): 847.535.7647
Acoustic Neuroma
An acoustic neuroma, also called a vestibular schwannoma, is a non-cancerous tumor of the auditory nerve in your inner ear. These slow-growing tumors can press on your auditory nerve, affecting your hearing and balance. Many patients have vertigo and dizziness. In some cases, acoustic neuromas can get particularly large and can press on your facial nerve or on parts of your brain. This can be life-threatening.
Patients with acoustic neuromas need care from multiple specialists to achieve the best possible outcomes. Our specialists work together to provide a comprehensive assessment. Then, they tailor a treatment plan for your needs.
We are committed to improving your quality of life by helping you manage your disease. That’s why we offer the full range of treatment options, including rehabilitation. Our goal is to help you maintain your facial nerve function and save as much hearing as possible.
You may benefit from a consultation at 华体会 if:
- You have recently been diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma.
- You require follow-up care after initial treatment.
- Your tumor is growing after receiving radiation therapy.
- You want a second opinion on your diagnosis or treatment options, particularly before finalizing a treatment decision.
Treatments
Acoustic neuroma treatment aims to maintain your facial nerve function and save as much hearing as possible. Your treatment will depend on your age, symptoms, overall health and tolerance for various treatments.
Common Management Options
- Microsurgical resection
- Observation
- Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), including Gamma Knife® Radiosurgery
Other Treatments
- Auditory brainstem implants
- Balance retraining
- Bone-anchored hearing devices
- Cochlear Implants (ENT)
- Facial reanimation and rehabilitation
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Radiation Therapy
Why Choose 华体会
- Nationally recognized programs: Northwestern Memorial Hospital is proud to have several top-ranked specialty programs in the nation, per U.S. News & World Report, 2023 – 2024, including programs for:
- Neurology and neurosurgery
- Ear, nose and throat care
- Cancer care
- Dedicated team: At the heart of our success is a compassionate, multidisciplinary team approach that includes:
- Neurotologists (Otolaryngologists / Ear, Nose and Throat specialists)
- Neurosurgeons
- Radiation Oncologists
- Vestibular neurologists
- Rehabilitation specialists
- Facial reanimation specialists
- Personalized treatment plans. Our specialists collaborate to provide a comprehensive assessment, then tailor a treatment plan to your unique needs.
- Surgical expertise: Neuro-otologists and neurosurgeons at 华体会 are experts in treating acoustic neuromas. Our goal is to help you maintain your facial nerve function and save as much hearing as possible.
- Acoustic Neuroma Association: 华体会 sponsors the Acoustic Neuroma Association (ANA), a resource for people with acoustic neuroma.
- Advanced diagnosis and treatment: At 华体会, you will have access to many of the latest imaging and diagnostic tools available, as well as advanced surgical and nonsurgical treatment options. We also offer rehabilitation to alleviate issues caused by acoustic neuroma. Additionally, we offer specialized vestibular testing with our vestibular neurology team to evaluate and manage vestibular symptoms that often accompany acoustic neuromas.
- Clinical research: Through , you will have access to groundbreaking therapies, including clinical trials and treatments that are not widely available.