Acoustic neuroma in children
Paediatric vestibular schwannoma
Non-cancerous (benign) brain tumour in children
Is an acoustic neuromas different for a child?
Acoustic neuroma's, are rarer in children than in adults and are often associated with neurofibromatosis type 2. The only confirmed risk factor for acoustic neuroma is having a parent with the rare genetic disorder neurofibromatosis type 2.
In children it is a tumour that grows on the nerve of the ear. The nerve runs from your brain stem to the ear and plays a role in a child's hearing development and balance. An acoustic neuroma is a benign tumour, however, it can still cause serious problems if the tumour increases in size and becomes large enough to put pressure on the brain stem.
Need to know
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Symptoms of Acoustic neuroma in children icon plus
The most common symptoms of an acoustic neuroma in children include:
- loss of hearing in the affected ear
- a buzzing or ringing noise (tinnitus)
- dizziness
- unsteady on their feet
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Diagnosis icon plus
Acoustic neuromas are rare in children. While they can be detected before they become too large, they are difficult to diagnose because the symptoms can be caused by other conditions. If your child's consultant suspects they have an acoustic neuroma, they may perform one or all of the following tests:
- check their hearing to find out if the problem is related to the nerve
- take a picture of the inside of their head with a MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan
- use images from a CT (computed tomography) scan to build an image of the inside of your child's head
Your consultant will then discuss the results of any tests with you.
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Potential treatment options icon plus
Your consultant will discuss treatment options with you depending on the position and size of the acoustic neuroma, how quickly the tumour is growing and your child's general health.
Among the main treatment options are:
- monitor the tumour using MRI if the symptoms are mild
- if a tumour is large or growing quickly it can be removed by surgery under general anaesthetic
Our paediatric specialists
We provide exceptional care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics for children with ENT or neurological symptoms, or who have already been diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma.
At The Portland Hospital we have paediatric consultants who are supported by nursing and therapy teams with experience in treating children. We also have a number of outpatient support services to assist with diagnosis and managing hearing and balance problems in children.
Our hospitals and outpatient facilities
From complex ENT surgery to diagnostic tests and procedures, we provide exceptional paediatric care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
Book an appointment
Our team can help with any enquiries or you can make an appointment with one of our experienced consultants.
Call us today
020 7079 4344