Acoustic neuroma other diagnostic studies
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Simrat Sarai, M.D. [2]
Overview
Other diagnostic studies for Acoustic neuroma include audiometry, auditory brainstem response test, and electronystagmography.[1]
Other diagnostic studies
Hearing test (audiometry)
Audiometry can detect whether the hearing loss is sensorineural or conductive. During the test, the patient wears earphones and hears sounds directed to one ear at a time. A range of sounds of various tones are heard and the patient has to indicate each time they hear the sound. Each tone is repeated at faint levels to find out when the patient can barely hear. The test is conducted by hearing specialist(audiologist). This test was worthwhile in the middle of century when definitive radiographic imaging consisted of some form of either pneumoencephalography or formal arteriography.
Auditory brainstem response test
An auditory brainstem response test (a.k.a. ABR, BAER, or BSER) may be done in some cases. This test provides information on the passage of an electrical impulse along the circuit from the inner ear to the brainstem pathways. An acoustic neuroma can interfere with the passage of this electrical impulse through the hearing nerve at the site of tumor growth in the internal auditory canal, even when the hearing is still essentially normal. This implies the possible diagnosis of an acoustic neuroma when the test result is abnormal. 20-35% of acoustic neuroma tumors smaller than 1 cm are missed by ABR screening techniques. An abnormal auditory brainstem response test should be followed by an MRI. When an MRI is not available or cannot be performed, a computerized tomography scan (CT scan) with contrast is suggested for patients in whom an acoustic neuroma is suspected. The combination of CT scan and audiogram approach the reliability of MRI in making the diagnosis of acoustic neuroma.[2]
Electronystagmography
Electronystagmography (ENG) is a test in which eye movements are recorded with small electrodes placed on the skin around the eyes. This test evaluates patient's balance by detecting eye movements while stressing the balance in various ways.