Pathology of the facial nerve

Neuroimaging Clin N Am. 2008 May;18(2):309-20, x. doi: 10.1016/j.nic.2008.01.002.

Abstract

A good examination in facial nerve imaging (CT or MR imaging) depends on a good knowledge of anatomy. Two clinical situations must be considered: imaging of patients with or without facial palsy. CT and MR imaging are very useful when the symptoms are atypical or progressive: MR imaging gives very good information about the facial nerve inflammation but may also discover a schwannoma, a hemangioma, a meningioma, or a primitive or secondary cholesteatoma. In malignant tumors of the parotid gland, a study of the fallopian canal must always be performed to delineate an extension in the mastoid, tympanic, or intrameatic parts. In some rare cases, a metastasis in the temporal bone may occur, especially in the region of the geniculate ganglion. Particular attention must be paid to children with facial palsy, considering the possibility of a histiocytosis or metastasis of a neuroblastoma.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cranial Nerve Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Cranial Nerve Neoplasms / etiology
  • Cranial Nerve Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Facial Nerve Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Facial Nerve Diseases / etiology
  • Facial Nerve Diseases / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Radiography