JOURNAL ARTICLE
REVIEW
Add like
Add dislike
Add to saved papers

Intracranial Facial Nerve Schwannomas: Current Management and Review of Literature.

BACKGROUND: Facial nerve schwannomas are rare, benign, nerve-sheath tumors. They can occur in any segment of the facial nerve and often clinically and radiographically mimic the common vestibular schwannoma when extending into the cerebellopontine angle. The optimal treatment strategy for intracranial facial nerve schwannomas remains controversial.

METHODS: We review the literature and discuss the natural history, clinical features, diagnosis and current management of facial nerve schwannoma.

RESULTS: Complete tumor resection with facial nerve preservation can be achieved in fewer cases. In most cases, the affected segment of facial nerve must be removed if the goal is to achieve complete tumor section. Regardless of type of facial nerve repair, patients can expect no better than an eventual HB grade III palsy. Stereotactic radiosurgery has good results in tumor control and facial function outcome.

CONCLUSIONS: Treatment for intracranial facial nerve schwannomas depends on clinical presentation, tumor size, preoperative facial, and hearing function. Conservative management is recommended for asymptomatic patients with small tumors. Stereotactic radiosurgery may be an option for smaller and symptomatic tumors with good facial function. If tumor is large or the patient has facial paralysis, surgical resection should be indicated. If preservation of the facial nerve is not possible, total resection with nerve grafting should be performed for those patients with facial paralysis, whereas subtotal resection is best for those patients with good facial function.

Full text links

We have located links that may give you full text access.
Can't access the paper?
Try logging in through your university/institutional subscription. For a smoother one-click institutional access experience, please use our mobile app.

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app

Mobile app image

Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app

All material on this website is protected by copyright, Copyright © 1994-2024 by WebMD LLC.
This website also contains material copyrighted by 3rd parties.

By using this service, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy.

Your Privacy Choices Toggle icon

You can now claim free CME credits for this literature searchClaim now

Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app