Vestibular schwannomas

Vestibular schwannomas are benign neoplasms arising from vestibular portion of eighth cranial nerve and comprising around 5% of all primary intracranial tumours. Hearing loss and tinnitus are the most common presenting features. MRI is the imaging modality of choice. Surgery is the treatment of choice in medically fit patients; however, a few cases may be managed by conservative means or by radiosurgery. Surgical approaches need to be individualized according to size of tumour and hearing status. The most important complication after surgery remains facial paresis. Outcome is good in majority of cases and recurrence rates are low.