IJSR International Journal of Scientific Research 2277 - 8179 Indian Society for Health and Advanced Research ijsr-7-7-15906 Original Research Paper Clinical presentation of Acoustic schwannoma: experience at a tertiary care institution Shankar Prasad Dr. July 2018 7 7 01 02 ABSTRACT

Background:Acoustic neuroma is a benign tumour and it is the most common tumor ofthe cerebellopontine angle. Descriptions of the signs and symptoms of acoustic neuroma within the literature are largely from older studies, which may not be applicable to contemporary practice [3, 4]. It presents with hearing loss, tinnitus, disequilibrium, headache, fifth, seventh and lower cranial nerve symptoms, depending upon size.

Aims and Objectives: To study symptoms of acoustic schwannoma with respect to age, sex, clinical presentation, and correlation between size of tumor and various manisfestations as well as association with hydrocephalus

Materials and Methods:  A retrospective study carried out in the department of neurosurgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, BHU. It includes 42 patients of acoustic schwannoma who were admitted from January 2015 to December 2018.

Results: Out of all45.24% were male and 54.76% female. Patients were mostly more than 20 years age. Hearing loss (95.4%) and tinnitus (78.57%) were commonest symptoms. 71.43% tumors were more than 3cm size. Symptoms like disequilibrium, facial symptoms lower cranial nerve symptoms were significantly more common in tumors larger than 3cm. Hydrocephalus is also seen in larger tumors only.

Conclusion:Acoustic schwannoma usually present in young and middle aged persons. These tumors usually present when becomes large. Facial numbness, disequilibrium, facial weakness, diplopia and lower cranial nerve symptoms and hydrocephalus are present only in large tumors.