Acoustic Neuroma (Acoustic Schwannoma)

WHAT IS IT?

An acoustic neuroma (acoustic schwannoma) refers to 

WHAT CAUSES IT?

 

WHY IS IT CONCERNING MEDICALLY?

This neoplasm can compress structures: notably cranial nerves VII and VIII can be compressed leading to hearing loss, vertigo, facial paralysis, etc. 

WHAT IS THE INTIAL PRESENTATION?

Patient Chief Complaints:

  • Hearing loss
  • Tinnitus
  • Vertigo 

Detected Medical Problems:

 

WHAT ARE IMPORTANT ELEMENTS OF THE MEDICAL HISTORY?

Risk Factors:

 

Medical History:

 

WHAT ARE IMPORTANT FEATURES OF THE PHYSICAL EXAM?

Vital Signs:

 

Neurological Exam:

  • Loss of facial sensation 
  • Facial paresis 
CLINICAL WORKUP: SERUM STUDIES

 

CLINICAL WORKUP: IMAGING

 

CLINICAL WORKUP: OTHER

 

HOW DO WE NARROW THE DIFFERENTIAL?

Conditions that present similarly and how to exclude them:

 

WHAT IS OUR THRESHOLD FOR DIAGNOSING THIS CONDITION?

 

PATIENT MANAGMENT: SYMPTOM RELEIF

 

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: DISEASE TREATMENT

 

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: PROPHYLACTIC MEASURES

 

COULD THIS HAVE BEEN PREVENTED?

 

ARCHIVE OF STANDARDIZED EXAM QUESTIONS 

This archive compiles standardized exam questions that relate to this topic.

 

Page Updated: 05.04.2017