Acoustic neuroma, also known as vestibular schwannoma, is a benign tumor of the Schwann cells of the vestibular branch of the vestibulocochlear nerve in the internal auditory canal. Acoustic neuroma is a result of genetic aberration on the chromosome of 22q12 gene, which is the gene for neurofibromatosis type 2. It accounts for approximately 85-90% of all tumors of the cerebellopontine angle in adults. Approximately 5% occur concurrently with type 2 neurofibromatosis; whereas rest occur sporadically due to acquired loss of type 2 neurofibromatosis gene function. The incidence of acoustic neuroma is increasing with a lifetime risk of approximately 1 in 1000 people. It is commonly seen in individuals with a mean age of 50-55 years.(1)
Can Acoustic Neuroma Go Away On Its Own?
The improvements in the imaging techniques such as gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging have led to the increased detection of small acoustic neuroma. These acoustic neuromas may be asymptomatic or have mild symptoms without any brainstem compression. The growth pattern of acoustic neuroma has been defined as unpredictable as these tumors may grow slowly and continuously and the growth may even stagnate or lead to shrinkage of the neuroma. The growth may also be progressive and lead to compression of the brainstem or occlusion of the fourth ventricle.(2)
One of the treatment options for acoustic neuroma is a watch, wait and rescan that are found successful in a significant proportion of small acoustic neuromas as an alternative to microsurgical removal or stereotactic radiotherapy. The treatment option is largely dependent on the preference of the patient, progressive tumor growth and presenting symptoms. In a small number of tumors that are non-surgically managed, a small proportion of them has shown signs of spontaneous regression and shrinkage. In 21 case studies from 1988-2013, the incidence of tumor shrinkage was seen in about 1-29% of the cases in a follow-up period of 6 months to 27 years. The degree of shrinkage noted ranged from 5.38 to 100% during the follow-up period. The exact mechanism for this shrinkage is not well understood; however, a reduction in vascular supply leading to ischemic necrosis and fibrosis of the neuroma has been hypothesized.(2)
What Are The Natural Remedies For Acoustic Neuroma?
Normally, the treatment options for the management of acoustic neuroma include watch and wait for technique along with surgery and radiation depending on the size of the tumor and symptoms. Since, surgery is associated with complications including bleeding, infection, and recurrence of the tumor, patients sometimes avoid surgery.
Acupuncture therapy has been found helpful in managing the hearing of patients. It is also known to suppress the development of the tumor along with relieving headaches related to acoustic neuroma.(3)
Ayurvedic natural remedy with Crab Care Pack that includes six herbal remedies has been touted to effectively shrink the tumor and balance body energy along with tissue healing. The herbs include ashwagandha, guggul, curcumin, tulsi, Chander Prabha and kanchnar guggul. These herbs are known to balance the doshas of the body by eliminating excessive toxins, acting as anti-stress, and relieving muscular pain. They also act as antimicrobial, anti-infective, and anti-inflammatory having healing properties.
The formulation helps in treating tumors, fibroids, cysts, and ashwagandha all kinds of blockages. The treatment includes using blood cleansing herbs along with making some dietary changes.
The common presenting symptoms of acoustic neuroma are a progressive hearing loss (90%), tinnitus (>60%), dizziness, vertigo, imbalance, facial paresthesia and headache due to hydrocephalus in larger tumors from follow-up brainstem and trigeminal nerve compression. Facial paresthesia due to trigeminal nerve involvement can be seen in about 12% and about 6% of patients of a large acoustic neuroma can present with facial nerve palsy. More than 90% of tumors in acoustic neuroma are unilateral, affecting both left and right side equally; whereas bilateral acoustic neuroma is pathognomonic of type 2 neurofibromatosis.(1)
Also Read:
- Do Acoustic Neuromas Ever Go Away?
- Can Acoustic Neuroma Grow Quickly & Can It Stop Growing?
- Do Acoustic Neuromas Make You Tired & Can It Cause Personality Changes?
- Home Remedies For Acoustic Neuroma
- How Do You Get An Acoustic Neuroma & Can It Be Cured?
- Is Acoustic Neuroma Surgery Dangerous & How Long Is The Surgery?
- How Long Will It Take To Recover From Acoustic Neuroma & How Long Does The Symptoms Last?
