VESTIBULAR SCHWANNOMA - This is a benign tumor of the 8th cranial nerve that affects approximately 1 out of 100,000 people. This tumor arises from the myelin forming Schwann cells that coat the 8th cranial nerve (acoustic nerve). Clinical presentation usually includes hearing deficit. Diagnosis can be made with auditory evoked potentials and/or MRI scanning of the brain. Vertigo and tinnitus may be associated symptoms. Surgical removal of this tumor involves dissection, cautery, and obliteration with laser.