FACIAL-NERVE NEUROMAS - DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT

Facial nerve neuromas are uncommon tumors that involve the facial nerv e. There is no classic presentation of these tumors. This study presen ts a series of 22 patients with facial neuromas managed from 1977 to 1 993. Facial nerve dysfunction was the most common complaint, present i n 90.5% of cases. Hearing loss was the second most common complaint an d was found in 76.2% of cases. High resolution computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging with gadolinium proved to be the most accu rate methods of preoperative assessment of these tumors and are comple mentary in selected cases. Different surgical approaches were performe d according to tumor location and preoperative hearing level. In all c ases long-term follow-up showed no tumor recurrence, and acceptable re turn of facial function was noted in 80% of cases.