Acoustic Neuroma

Overview

An acoustic neuroma, also called a vestibular schwannoma, is a benign (noncancerous) ear tumor that affects your hearing and sense of balance.

The tumor develops on your 8th cranial nerve (vestibulocochlear), which is the nerve that sends signals from your inner ear to your brain so you can hear and maintain your balance.

Acoustic neuromas don’t spread like cancerous tumors. As they grow, they can affect hearing, cause ringing in your ear (tinnitus), affect balance, and cause facial weakness or facial numbness. Treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy and, in rare cases, chemotherapy to treat the tumor.

Products & Services

A Book: Future Care

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

Request an appointment

Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Request an appointment

Diagnosis & treatment

Living with atrial fibrillation?

Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Heart Rhythm Conditions support group on Mayo Clinic Connect, a patient community.