Facial Nerve Schwannomas

Abstract

A study of 26 patients with facial nerve schwannomas treated at the University Hospital of Zurich was done. The general clinical features are described, but particular emphasis is placed on tumor histologic findings, recovery of facial function after grafting, and the nature of intracranial facial nerve schwannomas Presenting symptoms are stratified by tumor location, with facial dysfunction being commonest with intracranial tumors, neurotologic symptoms being associated with intracranial tumors, and parotid masses being a feature of extratemporal tumors. We found no differences in tumor histology regardless of site of origin. Clinical, histologic, and radiologic evidence is reviewed, and from this evidence we conclude that intracranial facial nerve schwannomas may be particularly invasive acoustic schwannomas. Recovery of facial movement after grafting the facial nerve is not influenced by graft length or graft type. Prolonged preoperative facial dysfunction has a negative influence on recovery after grafting.