Doctor Be, who delivers flawless results in the treatment of acoustic neuroma facial paralysis, improves his patients' quality of life with personalized treatment plans. With these flawless results, he helps his patients achieve their desired outcomes both psychologically and physically.
What is Acoustic Neuroma (Vestibüler Schwannoma)?
Acoustic neuroma, also known as vestibular schwannoma, is a type of tumor that originates from Schwann cells, which form the sheath of the hearing and balance nerves (eighth cranial nerve), and is usually benign. This type of tumor can cause symptoms such as hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), balance problems, and dizziness because it increases pressure on the nerves leading from the inner ear to the brain. It can also cause more serious neurological problems, such as weakness or numbness in the facial muscles, by putting pressure on other nearby nerves. Because this disease can progress rapidly, it is important to get a quick and accurate diagnosis in suspected cases. Therefore, contact your doctor if you experience any possible symptoms of acoustic neuroma facial palsy.
Types of Acoustic Neuroma Facial Paralysis (Vestibular Schwannomas)
Acoustic neuroma facial palsy can be classified according to its size, growth rate, and the areas it affects. Generally, there are two main types: sporadic acoustic neuroma facial nerve palsy and acoustic neuromas associated with Genetic Type 2 (NF2). If we examine these types of acoustic neuroma facial paralysis in detail;
- Sporadic, unilateral acoustic neuromas
This type of acoustic neuroma facial palsy is a type of tumor that occurs in 95% of patients and grows on only one side of the body. This type of tumor arises from non-hereditary mutations. These tumors, which occur unilaterally, can be seen at any age but are more commonly observed in people between the ages of 30 and 60.
- Genetic, bilateral acoustic neuromas
Because this type of acoustic neuroma-induced facial nerve palsy is a genetic problem, it usually occurs at a younger age. It is also seen in cranial nerve tumors. For this reason, it requires a different treatment approach than sporadic acoustic neuroma tumors.
What is the Difference Between Unilateral and Bilateral Vestibular Schwannomas?
There are fundamental differences between unilateral and bilateral vestibular schwannomas. When we examine these differences, we can observe that unilateral vestibular schwannomas occur in only one ear. Bilateral vestibular schwannomas, on the other hand, occur in both ears. In addition, while unilateral acoustic neuroma is common, bilateral acoustic neuroma palsy is rarer. For this reason, treatment methods are quite different.
What Are The Symptoms of Acoustic Neuroma Facial Palsy?
As with any disease, acoustic neuroma facial nerve palsy has certain symptoms. These symptoms vary from person to person and are not seen in everyone. The general symptoms of vestibular schwannoma are as follows:
- Hearing loss, one of the most common symptoms of the condition, occurs gradually. However, in some progressive cases, hearing loss can occur suddenly.
- Another symptom seen in acoustic neuroma facial paralysis is tinnitus. Hearing loss may also occur along with this symptom.
- Many patients may also experience sudden dizziness and loss of balance. In particular, patients are unable to walk steadily in the dark.
- As the tumor grows over time, it presses on the facial nerve (facial nerve). As a result, numbness or tingling sensation may occur in the face.
- Larger tumors can cause weakness in facial muscles and even sudden facial paralysis.
- These tumors, which directly press on the brain stem, can cause difficulties in swallowing and speech over time.
Facial Paralysis Caused by Acoustic Neuroma
Acoustic neuroma can cause facial paralysis in later stages. The main reason for this is that the tumor growing in the ear presses on the facial nerve over time. As a result of this pressure, patients may experience difficulties in moving their face and closing their eyelids. For these reasons, certain treatments are applied to reduce the pressure on the facial nerves and correct the effects of facial paralysis. To take a look at these treatments;
- Hypoglossal-Facial Nerve Transfer
- Masseter-Facial Nerve Transfer
- Gracilis Muscle Transplant
- Temporalis Tendon Transfer
- Synkinesis Surgery
What Causes Acoustic Neuroma Facial Palsy?
There are many causes for the development of acoustic neuroma facial palsy. Genetic disorders are among the primary causes. These defective genetic structures, when exposed to tumor-suppressing mutations, cause uncontrolled growth of Schwann cells. This leads to the development of acoustic neuroma facial palsy.
Another factor in the occurrence of this condition is long-term exposure to high doses of ionizing radiation. These genes, which are exposed to radiation, tumor over time and cause acoustic neuroma. For this reason, we recommend that you stay away from radiation-emitting applications and items as much as possible.
Are Acoustic Neuromas Dangerous?
Acoustic neuromas are usually benign tumors and are not dangerous. However, as they grow and put pressure on surrounding tissues, serious health problems can occur. For these reasons, you should have the disease treated immediately after diagnosis. Otherwise, you may face unwanted consequences such as facial paralysis.
Acoustic Neuroma (Vestibular Schwannoma) Diagnosis
Contrary to popular belief, acoustic neuroma is diagnosed quite easily. When diagnosing, ear examination is performed first. As a result of this physical examination, the surgeon asks questions in the light of the findings. These questions are very important as they facilitate the diagnosis of the disease. After these questions, a hearing test and MRI and CT scans are performed. In this way, the disease is diagnosed more accurately and quickly.
Acoustic Neuromas in Children
Acoustic neuromas are tumors that are commonly seen in adults and are typically diagnosed in older age. They are quite rare in children and are often associated with genetic disorders, particularly Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2). In such cases, children may develop bilateral acoustic neuromas, and symptoms such as hearing loss, balance disorders, and tinnitus may appear at an early age. In this context, the treatment plan for children is determined based on the tumor's growth rate, size, and the child's overall health; in some cases, surgery or radiosurgery may be performed, while regular monitoring may be preferred for small, slow-growing tumors.
How to Treat Acoustic Neuroma
There are many different treatment methods for vestibular schwannoma. These treatment methods vary depending on the intensity of the disease and the structure of the person. To examine these treatment methods in detail, the treatment methods of acoustic neuroma disease are as follows;
- Radio Surgery
In this treatment method, the tumor cells are targeted with radio surgery to shrink them. Thus, the tumor visibly shrinks and heals in a short time.
- Hypoglossal-Facial Nerve Transfer
Hypoglossal-facial nerve transfer is a surgical method rarely used in acoustic neuroma treatments. In this method, when facial nerves are damaged or lose their function, the hypoglossal nerve is used to restore the functionality of the facial nerve. Thus, control of the facial muscles is restored.
- Masseter-Facial Nerve Transfer
Masseter-Facial Nerve Transfer, which is used in cases where facial nerves are damaged, connects the nerve fibers taken from the masseter muscle to the facial nerve to control facial expressions and provide muscle movements. These connected nerves help the face to move again.
- Gracilis Muscle Transplant
Gracilis muscle transplantation is a surgical method used to restore facial muscles when the facial nerve is damaged after acoustic neuroma. In this technique, muscle and nerve tissues, usually taken from the gracilis muscle on the inside of the leg, are transplanted to the facial nerve to provide control of the facial muscles. Thanks to these transplanted nerves, facial contractions are eliminated.
- Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Temporalis tendon transfer, which is also frequently used in the treatment of acoustic neuroma, is a treatment method that targets damage or loss of function in facial nerves. In this treatment method, the tendon of the temporalis muscle is transferred to the facial nerve to provide control of the facial muscles. Thus, the patient regains the patient's facial expressions and facial expressions.
- Synkinesis Surgery
Synkinesis surgery is a surgical procedure used to treat a condition that can occur after acoustic neuroma and is associated with facial nerve damage. This procedure directly helps to improve facial muscle movements directly. If you would like more detailed information about this treatment, you can visit our synkinesia treatment page.
Acoustic Neuroma Facial Paralysis Surgery Cost
Acoustic neuroma facial palsy procedures are highly suitable in Turkey, which is also quite advantageous in terms of vestibular schwannoma. The main reason for this is the intense competition in acoustic neuroma facial nerve palsy surgeries. Another reason for the affordability of vestibular schwannoma treatment is Turkey's favorable exchange rate and the significant support provided by the Ministry of Health to aesthetic centers.
When comparing the prices of acoustic neuroma facial paralysis surgery in Istanbul with the costs in other cities, we can conclude that Istanbul is more affordable. The main reason for this is that there is more competition in Istanbul.
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Acoustic Neuroma Turkey Cost |
$15.000 - $18.000 |
|
Acoustic Neuroma United Kingdom Cost |
21.000£- 22.000£ |
|
Acoustic Neuroma USA Cost |
24,700$ - 25.500$ |
How to Choose the Best Facial Acoustic Neuroma Surgeons in Turkey?
There are many points to consider when choosing the best acoustic neuroma facial paralysis surgeon. For this, you need to do detailed research. Because in order to achieve positive results in acoustic neuroma facial paralysis surgery, it is important to work with surgeons who are experts in their field. Therefore, you should make sure that your doctor is an expert in facial paralysis surgery. You should also make sure that your doctor has performed facial nerve graft procedures on all face types. Finally, it is also very important that they have experience with different techniques in acoustic neuroma facial paralysis surgeries.
At this point, Dr. Berke Özücer, one of Turkey's best acoustic neuroma surgeons, stands out with his successful operations and as a surgeon who applies different techniques. Therefore, by contacting Dr. Berke Özücer, one of Turkey's best acoustic neuroma surgeons, you can achieve your dream face shape in a healthy way.
Who is the Best Facial Nerve Graft Surgeon in Turkey?
There are many renowned vestibular schwannoma surgeons in Turkey. These surgeons have performed numerous successful vestibular schwannoma operations in their field. Dr. Berke Özücer, one of the renowned vestibular schwannoma surgeons who stands out for his successful work, provides excellent results by giving his patients a natural appearance. Thus, he effortlessly helps his patients achieve the healthy facial appearance they desire.
Berke Özücer performs surgeries by taking into account his patients' wishes and facial types, achieving flawless and excellent results in facial paralysis procedures. If you also want to achieve these results, you can get excellent results by having a preliminary consultation with Berke Özücer, one of Turkey's most renowned vestibular schwannoma surgeons.
Doctor Berke, One of Turkey's Best Acoustic Neuroma Surgeons
Dr. Be, one of the most successful acoustic neuroma surgeons in Turkey, offers perfect results in acoustic neuroma surgery. Thus, it allows you to have the look you want by achieving your dream look without any problems.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acoustic Neuroma
Is every case of ringing in the ears or dizziness a symptom of acoustic neuroma?
No. Although ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and dizziness (vertigo) are among the symptoms of acoustic neuroma, they do not indicate this tumor in every case. However, if the symptoms are long-lasting and accompanied by unilateral hearing loss, it is necessary to consult an ear, nose, and throat specialist.
How serious is acoustic neuroma?
Acoustic neuroma is usually a benign tumor, meaning it does not metastasize. However, as it grows, it can lead to serious consequences such as hearing loss, balance problems, and, rarely, pressure on the brain stem. Therefore, regular follow-up and proper treatment are important.
What is the best treatment for acoustic neuroma?
The most appropriate treatment for acoustic neuroma is determined based on the size of the tumor, its growth rate, and the patient's overall health. For small and slow-growing tumors, regular MRI monitoring (watch-and-wait approach) is usually preferred. For medium-sized tumors or patients who are not suitable for surgery, radiosurgical methods (Gamma Knife, CyberKnife) are preferred. For large or rapidly growing tumors, surgical treatment may be necessary. Therefore, it is important to develop a personalized plan for each patient.
What is a red flag for acoustic neuroma?
Symptoms that could be considered red flags for acoustic neuroma include unilateral and progressively worsening hearing loss, constant tinnitus, imbalance or frequent falls, numbness or asymmetry in the face. These complaints may be a sign that the tumor is growing and putting pressure on the nerves or brain stem. In such cases, it is necessary to consult an ear, nose, and throat specialist or a brain surgeon without delay.
Can stress cause acoustic neuroma?
No. Stress does not directly cause acoustic neuroma. However, stress can cause existing symptoms to be felt more intensely and lead to a decline in quality of life.
Is acoustic neuroma considered a brain tumor?
Yes, acoustic neuroma is classified as an intracranial brain tumor. However, it is a “benign” tumor, meaning it does not metastasize. In most cases, it progresses slowly and can be controlled with regular monitoring.
Publications about Facelift & Rejuvenation
Cakmak O, Özücer B, Aktekin M, Özkurt FE, Al-Salman R, Emre IE.
Aesthet Surg J. 2018 Nov 12;38(12):1269-1279. doi: 10.1093/asj/sjy062.
PMID: 29509842
Cakmak O, Emre IE, Özücer B.
Facial Plast Surg. 2018 Feb;34(1):59-65. doi: 10.1055/s-0037-1615283. Epub 2018 Feb 6.
PMID: 29409105 Review.
