Facial F wave recording: a novel and effective technique for extra- and intraoperative diagnosis of facial nerve function in acoustic tumor disease.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the diagnostic yield of facial F wave recording in patients with acoustic neurinomas intraoperatively and extraoperatively. Study design and setting Prospective study, comparative evaluation of facial F waves, transcranial magnetic stimulation of the facial motor cortex, blink reflex, and intraoperative online electromyographic activity. The study was performed in the neurosurgical department of a university hospital.


RESULTS
Extraoperatively, only F wave latencies were closely correlated to tumor diameter as an independent variable. Intraoperatively, loss of F waves was specific for the development of a severe to total facial paresis postoperatively. A transient loss of F waves heralds an imminent danger of severe facial dysfunction.


CONCLUSIONS
Facial F wave recording provides valuable information on the functional status of the nerve intra- and extraoperatively.


CONCLUSIONS
Facial F wave recording should be used as a standard electrodiagnostic technique in addition to transcranial magnetic stimulation and blink reflex recording. It seems particularly useful for intraoperative facial nerve monitoring.
Wedekind
Christoph
C
Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cologne, Germany. DrChrWedekind@web.de
Klug
Norfrid
N
D004558:Electric Stimulation / Q000379:methods; D004576:Electromyography / Q000379:methods*; D005154:Facial Nerve / Q000502:physiology*; D020220:Facial Nerve Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D016343:Monitoring, Intraoperative / Q000379:methods*; D009464:Neuroma, Acoustic / Q000601:surgery*; D013506:Otologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D011446:Prospective Studies