Acoustic neuroma is also known by the name vestibular schwannoma. It is a benign tumor occurring in the Schwann cells that cover the vestibular nerve. It is generally a slow-growing tumor. This tumor arises on the main or vestibular nerve which goes from the inner ear to the brain. The branches coming out of this nerve have a direct impact on your hearing and balancing capabilities. Hence, pressure from an acoustic neuroma can lead to a hearing loss, tinnitus or ringing in ears and loss of balance or unsteadiness.(1)
Acoustic neuroma usually grows very slowly. Many times, it won’t grow at all. However, in rare cases, it may grow very quickly or rapidly and can become so large that it can put pressure on the brain and damage or hamper some of its important functions.(1)
Is Acoustic Neuroma A Progressive Disease?
Acoustic neuroma may present with no symptoms at all for years. Even if it presents with signs and symptoms, they are often very mild and do not pop their heads up for many, many years. Acoustic neuroma primarily presents with a hearing loss, which is mostly progressive in almost 90 percent of the cases.(2)
The hearing loss is gradual and is more prominent on one side as compared to the other. Also, sometimes the hearing loss occurs only on one side and does not affect the other side.(1)
Alternative Treatment For Acoustic Neuroma
The diagnosis of acoustic neuroma may bring a host of doubts, fears, and confusions with it. It can be quite difficult to accept the situation initially. Also, it may lead to a lot of stress, anxiety, and depression. Several alternative treatments and therapies may help you deal with the situation and the stress that comes with it. However, always make sure to consult with your doctor first before starting on any of these treatments and therapies. These methods may include-
Yoga And Meditation– Yoga and meditation may help you in dealing with the stress and anxiety by calming you down and making you feel more energetic. You can undergo yoga sessions under a trained yoga practitioner. However, it is essential to talk to your doctor first before starting on this and ask him what asanas and postures would suit or harm you, depending upon your condition, especially regarding unsteadiness.(3)
Massage Therapy– Massage therapy may help you relax your mind as well as your body. a trained masseuse may understand your condition and prescribe massages accordingly. However, it is better to talk to your doctor first, especially since acoustic neuroma can cause many complications and the massage therapy should not aggravate your condition.(3)
Acupuncture– Acupuncture is another traditional method of healing, which is done by way of pricking small, sterilized needles at desired places in the body. an acupuncture therapist can guide you through this. Acupuncture is believed by some to be great therapy in providing relief from chronic problems and relieve symptoms like pain.
However, a couple of things to be kept in mind while going for this therapy are – your doctor should give you a green signal before going for this and the needles used should be properly sterilized. This therapy should be done by a trained and expert acupuncture practitioner.(3)
Conclusion
Acoustic neuroma grows very slowly. Sometimes, it does not grow at all. It does not produce symptoms many times, and when it does, they are usually very mild. The primary symptom of acoustic neuroma is usually hearing loss, which is progressive in nature. Also, the loss of balance caused by this condition can be progressive. Acoustic neuroma can be progressive in nature, though the progress is very slow at most times. There are some alternative treatment methods, to support your current treatment for acoustic neuroma.
Also Read:
- 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?
- What Is The Average Size Of An Acoustic Neuroma & Does Hearing Return After The Surgery?
- What Is The Best Treatment for Acoustic Neuroma?
- Can Acoustic Neuroma Go Away On Its Own & What Are It’s Natural Remedies?
