VESTIBULAR SCHWANNOMAS Meaning and
Definition
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Vestibular Schwannomas, also known as acoustic neuromas, are benign tumors that arise from the vestibular nerve, which connects the inner ear to the brain. The vestibular nerve is responsible for transmitting auditory and balance information from the inner ear to the brain. These slow-growing tumors typically develop on the sheath surrounding the vestibular nerve, near the area where the nerve enters the brain.
Vestibular Schwannomas are typically non-cancerous and are usually found in only one ear, although in rare cases they can occur bilaterally. The exact cause of these tumors is uncertain, but they have been linked to a genetic condition called neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2). NF2 is characterized by the development of non-cancerous tumors on the nerves that control hearing and balance.
The symptoms of vestibular Schwannomas often include gradual hearing loss in one ear, tinnitus (ringing in the ear), dizziness, balance problems, and a sensation of fullness in the affected ear. In some cases, larger tumors can press on nearby structures, causing facial numbness, weakness, or paralysis.
Diagnosis of vestibular Schwannomas usually involves a combination of medical history evaluation, physical examination, audiometry (hearing test), and imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Treatment options may include observation with regular monitoring, surgical removal of the tumor, or radiation therapy. The choice of treatment depends on various factors such as tumor size, location, and the patient's overall health. Early detection and intervention can contribute to more favorable outcomes and better preservation of hearing and balance function.
Common Misspellings for VESTIBULAR SCHWANNOMAS
- cestibular schwannomas
- bestibular schwannomas
- gestibular schwannomas
- festibular schwannomas
- vwstibular schwannomas
- vsstibular schwannomas
- vdstibular schwannomas
- vrstibular schwannomas
- v4stibular schwannomas
- v3stibular schwannomas
- veatibular schwannomas
- veztibular schwannomas
- vextibular schwannomas
- vedtibular schwannomas
- veetibular schwannomas
- vewtibular schwannomas
- vesribular schwannomas
- vesfibular schwannomas
- vesgibular schwannomas
- vesyibular schwannomas
Etymology of VESTIBULAR SCHWANNOMAS
The word "Vestibular Schwannomas" is composed of two main parts: "vestibular" and "schwannomas".
1. Vestibular: The term "vestibular" is derived from the Latin word "vestibulum", which means "entrance or passage". It refers to a structure known as the vestibule, which is present in the inner ear and is responsible for maintaining balance and spatial orientation.
2. Schwannomas: "Schwannomas" comes from the word "Schwann cells" or "neurilemmocytes". Schwann cells are a type of supporting cells that wrap around nerve fibers in the peripheral nervous system, providing insulation and support. Schwannomas are tumors that develop from these cells.
