Acoustic Neuroma Overview

Facial Weakness And Numbness

The hallmark symptoms and complications of acoustic neuroma are tinnitus, balance problems, and hearing loss, though there have been rare cases where individuals experience facial numbness. Even more rarely, people might experience loss of muscle movement or weakness in their facial muscles. This weakness can lead to partial or total paralysis of certain facial muscles. Facial weakness occurs when the acoustic neuroma is large enough or positioned just enough to inhibit the facial nerve. If there's increased pressure against this nerve, patients might also experience unexpected tear formation and dry eyes because the facial nerve regulates tear production. Numbness occurs when the tumor becomes large enough that it affects the sensory nerves in the face, leading to a loss of sensation.