Radiological evaluation of the facial nerve.
The methodology for evaluation of the facial nerve (CT and MR technique) is presented and the need for routine use of gadolinium-DTPA with MRI is emphasized. The various disorders causing facial palsy with their clinical and radiological features are described. Although tumors only cause 6% of facial nerve disorders, they require a thorough radiologic workup. Schwannoma is the most common neoplasm arising from the facial nerve and can occur anywhere along the nerve course: cerebellopontine angle and internal auditory canal, geniculate ganglion, or tympanic, mastoid and intraparotid segments.
Weber
A L
AL
Department of Radiology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston 02114.
McKenna
M J
MJ
D003390:Cranial Nerve Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D005154:Facial Nerve / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology*; D005155:Facial Nerve Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005158:Facial Paralysis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009463:Neuroma / Q000175:diagnosis; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed