ENT: Acoustic Neuroma: Free MSRA Podcast

✅ MSRA Deep Dive: Acoustic Neuroma (Vestibular Schwannoma)In this high-yield episode, we break down everything you need to know about acoustic neuroma — also known as vestibular schwannoma — directly from focused revision notes. Perfect for MSRA prep or general ENT understanding. We simplify the pathophysiology, red flag symptoms, investigation strategy, and management options, all in an easy-to-follow audio format.🧠 Key Learning Points📌 Definition & Basics• Benign tumour from Schwann cells on the 8th cranial nerve (vestibulocochlear)• Affects both hearing (cochlear) and balance (vestibular) functions• Most are unilateral and slow-growing, but bilateral cases are linked to NF2📌 Causes & Risk Factors• Mostly sporadic, but NF2 (Neurofibromatosis type 2) = strong genetic link• Ionising radiation exposure to the head• Mobile phones: evidence is limited and not conclusive• Can impact mental health (anxiety, depression) due to persistent symptoms📌 Symptoms (Red Flags)• Unilateral sensorineural hearing loss (especially high-frequency)• Tinnitus (ringing, buzzing) in affected ear• Unsteadiness, dizziness, occasional vertigo• Facial numbness or tingling (CN V involvement)• Facial weakness or palsy (CN VII involvement)• Bilateral tumours = suspect NF2📌 Diagnosis• First-line: Audiometry + vestibular tests• MRI with contrast = gold standard for confirmation• Additional tests: ABR (auditory brainstem response), ENG (electronystagmography)• Urgent ENT referral if suspicious features present📌 Differential Diagnosis• Meniere’s disease• Otosclerosis• Chronic otitis media• CPA meningioma• Other rare ear/brain tumours📌 Management Options🟢 Observation• For small/stable tumours or older patients• Monitor with annual MRI, support symptoms (e.g. hearing aids)🔪 Surgery• Microsurgical removal• Aims to preserve hearing and facial nerve• Risks: facial nerve damage, permanent hearing loss, CSF leak🔆 Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS)• Gamma knife/CyberKnife radiation to halt growth• Less invasive but risks: nerve injury, swelling, radiation necrosis🧪 Emerging Therapies• Targeted drugs: bevacizumab, everolimus, lapatinib (especially in NF2)• Aspirin: may slow tumour growth (evidence emerging)📌 Prognosis & Complications• Good outcomes with early diagnosis and MDT management• Risks from tumour growth OR treatment:Permanent hearing lossFacial nerve palsyCSF leak, meningitisHydrocephalus (rare)• Regular follow-up critical to monitor recurrence and complications🔗 Free MSRA Revision Resources📄 Notes: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/acoustic-neuroma-revision-notes/💬 Flashcards: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/acoustic-neuroma-flashcards/🧠 Q&A Notes: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/acoustic-neuroma-accordion-qa-notes/📝 Quiz: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/acoustic-neuroma-rapid-quiz/🎓 Course: https://www.passthemsra.com/courses/ent-for-the-msra/🏷️ Hashtags#MSRA #MSRARevision #ENT #AcousticNeuroma #VestibularSchwannoma #MSRAFlashcards #MSRAQuiz #PassTheMSRA #FreeMSRA #CranialNerves #NF2