Cerebellopontine angle syndrome

Cerebellopontine angle syndrome
Synonyms	CPA syndrome
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, facial weakness, headache
Complications	Hydrocephalus, brainstem compression
Onset	Varies depending on cause
Duration	Chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Acoustic neuroma, meningioma, epidermoid cyst, metastatic tumors
Risks	Neurofibromatosis type II, age
Diagnosis	MRI, CT scan, audiometry
Differential diagnosis	Meniere's disease, multiple sclerosis, trigeminal neuralgia
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Surgery, radiation therapy, observation
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Depends on underlying cause and treatment
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

Cerebellopontine angle syndrome is a neurological disorder that affects the cranial nerves and results in a variety of symptoms. The syndrome is named for the cerebellopontine angle, the area in the brain where the cerebellum and pons meet.

Symptoms

The symptoms of cerebellopontine angle syndrome can vary widely, depending on which cranial nerves are affected. Common symptoms include:

• Hearing loss or tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Vertigo (a sensation of spinning)
• Facial weakness or numbness
• Difficulty swallowing or hoarseness
• Headache or facial pain

Causes

Cerebellopontine angle syndrome is most commonly caused by a tumor in the cerebellopontine angle. This can include acoustic neuromas, meningiomas, or epidermoid cysts. Other causes can include aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, or multiple sclerosis.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cerebellopontine angle syndrome typically involves a neurological examination, imaging studies such as MRI or CT scan, and possibly a biopsy of the tumor if one is present.

Treatment

Treatment for cerebellopontine angle syndrome depends on the underlying cause. If a tumor is present, treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. Other treatments may include medications to manage symptoms, physical therapy to improve strength and coordination, and speech therapy to address issues with swallowing or speech.

See also

• Cranial nerves
• Neurological disorders
• Acoustic neuroma
• Meningioma
• Epidermoid cyst