Which cranial nerve is associated with vestibular schwannoma resection?

The cranial nerve associated with vestibular schwannoma resection is the vestibulocochlear nerve, which is the eighth cranial nerve (VIII). Vestibular schwannomas, also known as acoustic neuromas, arise from Schwann cells of the vestibular component of this nerve. During the surgical resection of a vestibular schwannoma, neurosurgeons often have to carefully navigate around this nerve to preserve its function, as it is responsible for transmitting sound and balance information from the inner ear to the brain.

Understanding the important role of this cranial nerve in both hearing and balance is crucial. Preservation of the vestibulocochlear nerve during surgery is a significant concern for surgeons, as damage to this nerve can result in hearing loss, tinnitus, or balance problems. This highlights why this specific nerve is particularly relevant in discussions surrounding vestibular schwannoma and its surgical management.