Acoustic neuroma (or Vestibular Schwannoma) is a benign tumor of the acoustic nerve (more properly the vestibulocochlear nerve) just after it has left the brainstem, in the pontine angle. Associated symptoms are unilateral sensorineural hearing loss/deafness and vertigo, while larger tumors can compress local structures, such as the facial nerve, and lead to local symptoms, such as hydrocephalus. While most cases occur sporadically, rare cases can be attributed to neurofibromatosis (type 2).
Acoustic neuroma may be treated through surgical removal or by radiotherapy.
