Schwannomas along Different Segments of Facial Nerve: Case Series with Review of Literature

Abstract

Facial nerve schwannomas are rare conditions which can mimic many other conditions. A series of patients with facial nerve schwannomas were treated in our department, all of whom had a delay in diagnosis resulting in a significant morbidity. This prompted us to present this rare case series of schwannomas along different segments of facial nerve and also review the literature on such tumors—the different presentations, work-up issues in management and rehabilitation. A wide text and PubMed English literature-based search was done on the existing literature on facial nerve schwannomas and the summary presented. Facial nerve schwannomas can have multiple clinical presentations with or without a facial paresis. Only a high degree of clinical suspicion and early imaging can lead to this diagnosis. An early diagnosis of facial nerve schwannoma is important as the morbidity associated with the condition as well as the surgery increases with the delay in diagnosis.