Surgical experience of intratemporal facial nerve neurofibromas

Conclusions: The first presentation of intratemporal facial neurofibromas was variable, with facial palsy most common. The tumors often involve two or more segments of facial nerve. Outcomes of the tumors were closely related to nerve integrity, preoperative facial nerve function level, and follow-up period. Objective: The aim of this study was to present surgical experience of 11 cases with intratemporal facial neurofibroma. Methods: Clinical data of the 11 cases with the tumors was retrospectively collected and analyzed. They were followed up for 37.9 +/- 1.7 months, range 13-59 months, except for one case that was only followed up for 5 months and was excluded from the analysis of outcomes. Results: Facial palsy was the first presentation in 10 cases, with repetitive facial palsy and vertigo in 1 case; 6 cases (54.5%) were insidious and 5 (45.5%) were sudden in terms of onset. Ear pain around the onset of facial palsy was found in four cases (36.4%). The tumor involved more than one segment in six cases. Among the non-grafted cases one patient with grade V facial nerve function recovered to grade III and another patient with grade VI facial nerve function recovered to grade IV, whereas only one case with grade VI recovered to grade IV among the grafted cases.