New Delhi: Facial nerve schwannoma is a relatively rare benign tumour developing from the nerve sheath of the facial nerve the 7th nerve from our brain. The 7th nerve of the facial nerve supplies muscles of facial expression. If the nerve is affected there will be a weakness of muscles on the affected side and can have disastrous cosmetic effects. In an interaction with News9Live, Dr Athira Ramakrishnan, Consultant-ENT, Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore, spoke about this rare condition
What is facial nerve schwannoma?
“Facial nerve schwannoma is not seen commonly and can be detected late in patients. Patients may not have any symptoms initially due to this condition. But when tumour increases in size it starts destroying the facial nerve fibres and surrounding structures. It may present with facial tics initially and later with facial weakness and asymmetry. In later stages hearing loss can occur if internal hearing apparatus is destroyed by the tumour, said Dr Ramakrishnan.
What are the treatment options for facial nerve schwannoma?
Stereotactic radiosurgery or gamma knife therapy can be used effectively to treat small facial nerve schwannoma. Large tumors will need surgical removal with re-construction of the facial nerve using grafting. This is a technically challenging but rewarding procedure. Facial nerve grafting allows the facial nerve to regain facial nerve function after a few months.
Though a rare tumor facial nerve schwannoma can have devastating cosmetic effects if detected late. If a patient is present with facial tics and weakness this condition should be kept in mind so that an early diagnosis can be made and successful treatment can be given to the patient.
Facial Nerve Schwannoma, a rare and benign tumour, can take a toll on health if left untreated. Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
