The Journal of laryngology and otology
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Pathological lesions confined to the internal auditory canal (IAC) commonly present with cochleovestibular symptoms; sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus and balance disturbance. The commonest lesion of the IAC is vestibular schwannoma. ⋯ Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) cannot reliably distinguish intracanalicular vestibular schwannomas from meningiomas. Particular care is required for surgery of these lesions: the facial nerve typically does not lie in a protected anterior position within the IAC.