Vestibular Schwannoma Treatment in Singapore

What is Vestibular Schwannoma?

A noncancerous tumour called a Vestibular Schwannoma forms on the major nerve that connects the inner ear to the brain. The vestibular nerve is the name of this nerve. The nerve's branches directly impact hearing and balance. Hearing loss, ringing, and balance issues can all be symptoms of pressure from a Vestibular Schwannoma. The Schwann cells that cover the vestibular nerve give rise to an auditory neuroma. Vestibular Schwannomas often grow slowly. On rare occasions, it can spread rapidly and become large enough to put pressure on the brain and interfere with essential processes.

What is the Importance of Timely Treatment?

Timely treatment is essential because Vestibular Schwannomas can exacerbate hearing loss and balance function even if they are not growing. Untreated Vestibular Schwannomas can result in a potentially fatal accumulation of fluid in the brain or in the compression of the brain stem and cerebellum.

What are the symptoms of Vestibular Schwannoma?

Vestibular Schwannoma symptoms can take years to manifest and are frequently overlooked. The tumour's impact on the hearing and balance nerves may result in symptoms. Additionally, the tumour may exert pressure on the facial nerve, which controls facial muscles, and the trigeminal nerve, which controls sensation. Vestibular Schwannomas can impact brain structures or blood vessels. The likelihood of more obvious or severe symptoms may increase as the tumour grows.

The following are typical signs of a Vestibular Schwannoma:

• Loss of hearing typically occurs gradually over months to years. Rarely, hearing loss may occur suddenly. Usually, one side experiences hearing loss, or it is more severe on one side
• Tinnitus in the afflicted ear (ringing in the ear)
• Loss of equilibrium or unsteadiness
• Lightheadedness
• Numbness in the face and, in rare cases, loss of muscle mobility or paralysis.

Causes and Risk Factors of Tethered Vestibular Schwannoma

Causes

The primary aetiology of a tethered vestibular schwannoma is mutations in the NF2 gene, which lead to tumours that can adhere to surrounding tissues. Patterns of tumour growth, previous surgery or radiation therapy, and the development of scar tissue that binds the tumour to surrounding structures can also lead to it.

Risk Factors

Having a parent with neurofibromatosis type 2, a rare genetic condition, is the sole known risk factor for auditory neuromas. However, only around 5% of auditory neuroma occurrences are caused by neurofibromatosis type 2.

Permanent side effects from an auditory neuroma could include:

• Loss of hearing
• Weakness and numbness in the face
• Balance issues
• Ear ringing
• Sometimes, the passage of cerebrospinal fluid between the brain and spinal cord is blocked by large tumours pressing on the brainstem. Hydrocephalus is the accumulation of fluid in the brain. The pressure inside the skull rises as a result.

Latest Research and Technologies in the Treatment of Vestibular Schwannoma in Singapore

Recent breakthroughs in treating vestibular schwannoma (VS) in Singapore are really making waves, with a strong emphasis on precision medicine, minimally invasive techniques, and targeted therapies. Some of the exciting new approaches include intraoperative rapid genomic testing and liquid biopsy, which help guide surgical decisions to preserve hearing and facial nerve function. In addition, researchers are investigating molecular-targeted therapies, such as VEGF inhibitors, to determine if they can effectively control tumour growth, particularly in cases that don’t respond well to traditional treatments. These advancements truly showcase a dedication to personalised care and better outcomes for patients dealing with VS.

Vestibular Schwannoma Prevention Tips

There are no proven preventative methods for vestibular schwannomas because the actual cause is unknown. Still, early detection through routine doctor's visits is essential, particularly if you have a family history of neurofibromatosis type 2.