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Background: Bilateral facial nerve palsy is a relatively rare presentation and often points to a serious underlying medical condition. Several studies have reported presentation of bilateral facial nerve palsy in association with Lyme disease, Guillain-Barre syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, human immunodeficiency virus, sarcoidosis, diabetes and Hanson disease. While unilateral facial nerve palsy is sometimes associated with hemiplegia in sickle cell patients, no case of bilateral facial nerve palsy have been reported in the literature., Case Presentation: A 29-year-old black African woman who is a known homozygous haemoglobin S (HbSS) presented with bilateral facial nerve palsy. She had the said condition 2 months post delivery of her first child and reported for physiotherapy 3 months post incidence. The pre-treatment House Brackmann Facial Grading Scale (HBFGS) Scores were 3 for right side and 4 for left side. This patient was not on any medication for the facial palsy. After 4 sessions of combination therapy consisting of faradism, facial exercises and massage there was remarkable improvement in the neurological status of the facial muscles. The post treatment House Brackmann Facial Grading Scale score was 2 bilaterally., Conclusion: Bilateral facial nerve palsy may be an initial presentation of sickle cell anemia patients in the absence of other overt clinical presentations. Therefore sickle cell anemia should be considered among others, in the differential diagnosis of bilateral facial nerve palsy. Furthermore, this case report has highlighted the important role of physiotherapy in the management of bilateral facial nerve palsy.

Objective: To investigate the clinical factors associated with temporary facial nerve dysfunction (TFND) following surgery for benign parotid gland tumors., Methods: We reviewed the records of 175 patients with benign parotid gland tumors who underwent partial parotidectomy at Yokohama City University Medical Center in Japan. TFND was found in 33 patients (18.9%). We used two hypothetical lines in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images to define the tumor location (upper/lower or anterior/posterior) in the parotid gland. We then studied the associations of TFND with the following clinical factors: patient age, tumor size, histopathological diagnosis, and the location of the tumor within the parotid gland (superficial lobe/deep lobe; upper part/lower part; and anterior part/posterior part)., Results: Tumors located in the upper parts, anterior parts or the deep lobes of the parotid gland had statistically higher incidences of TFND compared with tumors located in the lower parts, posterior parts or the superficial lobe (P<0.001, <0.001, <0.01, respectively). The odds ratio for the risk of TFND was significantly high if tumors were located in the upper parts, the anterior parts or the deep lobes with stepwise multivariate regression analysis. The other factors, including patient's age, tumor size, histopathology of the tumor, and inadequate surgeon's experience, were not apparent risks for TFND., Conclusions: Parotid gland tumors located in the upper parts, the anterior parts or the deep lobes had a higher risk of TFND. The two hypothetical lines we used were shown to be useful to define the tumor location, eventually the risk of TFND., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: This study was conducted to determine the efficacy of using the autogeneous coronoid process as free graft for reconstruction of mandibular condyle and to achieve structural, functional, as well as esthetic rehabilitation of patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis., Materials and Methods: This article presents the clinical results of an evaluation of ten cases of TMJ ankylosis treated by using autogeneous coronoid process as free graft for reconstruction of mandibular condyle after resection of ankylotic mass., Results: Satisfactory mouth opening were obtained in all ten cases. No patient showed signs of re-ankylosis at 12 months follow-up. Preoperative mouth opening ranged from 0 to 15 mm with mean being 4.8 mm. As a result of successful procedure, the immediate postoperative mouth opening increased ranging from 24 to 31 mm (mean, 26.5 mm). Follow up of patients at the first and 12th month showed good results with increase in mouth opening from a range of 24 to 31 mm (mean, 27.8 mm ) to 26 to 36 mm (mean, 33.13 mm)., Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that the autogeneous coronoid process as free graft is a suitable graft material for reconstruction of mandibular condyle after resection of ankylotic mass.

Conclusion: Facial nerve dehiscence (FND) and ossicular injury occurred more frequently in patients with cholesteatomatous than non-cholesteatomatous otitis media., Objective: FND and ossicular injury commonly occur intraoperatively in patients with otitis media, both with and without cholesteatoma. This study was designed to analyze differences in FND and ossicular injury between patients with cholesteatomatous and non-cholesteatomatous otitis media., Methods: Patients who underwent tympanomastoidectomy due to otitis media from January 2010 to July 2012 were analyzed retrospectively. Clinical features (age, sex, bacteria, and severity of preoperative hearing loss) and intraoperative findings (FND and state of ossicular injury) were compared in patients with cholesteatomatous and non-cholesteatomatous otitis media., Results: Of 212 patients with otitis media, 148 (69.8%) had non-cholesteatomatous and 64 (30.2%) had cholesteatomatous otitis media. Of these groups, 88.6% and 88%, respectively, had positive bacterial cultures. Facial nerve dehiscence was detected in 41 patients (27.7%) with non-cholesteatomatous and 41 (64.0%) with cholesteatomatous otitis media. Dehiscence of the tympanic segment was most frequently observed in both groups. Ossicular injury was detected in 52 (35.1%) and 51 patients (78.1%), respectively. Erosion was most frequent in the incus, followed by the stapes and malleus.

Lyme borreliosis is a common vector-borne disease in Europe. The infection follows different stages with a broad variability of clinical symptoms and manifestations in different organs. A 49-year-old man presented with flu-like symptoms, facial nerve paralysis and multiple erythematous macular on his trunk and extremities. We diagnosed Lyme disease (stage II) with facial nerve paralysis and multiple erythema migrans. Intravenous ceftriaxone led to complete healing of hissymptoms within 2 weeks.

Object: To assess the long-term outcomes of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for cerebellopontine angle (CPA) meningiomas, the authors retrospectively reviewed data from a 20-year experience. They evaluated progression-free survival as well as improvement, stabilization, or deterioration in clinical symptoms., Methods: Seventy-four patients with CPA meningiomas underwent SRS involving various Gamma Knife technologies between 1990 and 2010. The most common presenting symptoms were dizziness or disequilibrium, hearing loss, facial sensory dysfunction, and headache. The median tumor volume was 3.0 cm(3) (range 0.3-17.1 cm(3)), and the median radiation dose to the tumor margin was 13 Gy (range 11-16 Gy). The median follow-up period was 40 months (range 4-147 months)., Results: At last imaging follow-up, the tumor volume had decreased in 46 patients (62%), remained stable in 26 patients (35%), and increased in 2 patients (3%). The progression-free survival after SRS was 98% at 1 year, 98% at 3 years, and 95% at 5 years. At the last clinical follow-up, 23 patients (31%) showed neurological improvement, 43 patients (58%) showed no change in symptoms or signs, and 8 patients (11%) had worsening symptoms or signs. The neurological improvement rate after SRS was 16% at 1 year, 31% at 3 years, and 40% at 5 years. The post-SRS deterioration rate was 5% at 1 year, 10% at 3 years, and 16% at 5 years. A multivariate analysis demonstrated that trigeminal neuralgia was the symptom most likely to worsen after SRS (HR 0.08, 95% CI 0.02-0.31; p = 0.001). Asymptomatic peritumoral edema occurred in 4 patients (5%) after SRS, and symptomatic adverse radiation effects developed in 7 patients (9%)., Conclusions: Stereotactic radiosurgery for CPA meningiomas provided a high tumor control rate and relatively low risk of ARE. Tumor compression of the trigeminal nerve by a CPA meningioma resulted in an increased rate of facial pain worsening in this patient experience.

Facial nerve palsy results in the loss of facial expression and is most commonly caused by a benign, self-limiting inflammatory condition known as Bell palsy. However, there are other conditions that may cause facial paralysis, such as neoplastic conditions of the facial nerve, traumatic nerve injury, and temporal bone lesions. We present a case of facial nerve palsy concurrent with a benign cystic lesion of the temporal bone, adjacent to the tympanic segment of the facial nerve. The patient's symptoms subsided after facial nerve decompression via a transmastoid approach.

Familial cerebral cavernoma is an autosomal dominant phenotype with incomplete clinical and neuroimaging penetrance. The most common clinical manifestations include seizures and cerebral hemorrhage. We present the case of a 7-year-old boy who developed acute onset facial nerve paralysis secondary to previously unknown familial cerebral cavernoma. Genetic workup revealed a KRIT1 gene deletion which was later confirmed in the patient's asymptomatic father and younger brother., (© 2014.)

Objective: To describe 2 patients with traumatic neuromas of the intratemporal facial nerve in the absence of trauma., Study Design: Retrospective case review., Setting: Tertiary care referral center., Patients: Patients included underwent resection of an intratemporal facial nerve mass. Upon pathologic evaluation, the patients were found to have traumatic neuromas of the facial nerve., Intervention(s): Patients underwent resection of an intratemporal facial traumatic neuroma. Histopathologic evaluation was performed including an immunohistochemistry evaluation., Results: Two patients were identified with intratemporal facial nerve traumatic neuromas. The patients had no significant history of trauma or chronic inflammatory process. Pathologic evaluations, including immunohistochemistry, of the excised masses were consistent with traumatic neuromas. All tumors were noted to have a disorganized collection of axons and were not consistent with the expected diagnosis of schwannoma. Tumors involved the tympanic and vertical segments of the facial nerve. A cavernous angioma was found within one mass and is thought to be the etiology of neuroma formation., Conclusion: Traumatic neuromas are possible in the intratemporal facial nerve in the absence of trauma. A cavernous angioma of the facial nerve is a newly described possible cause of traumatic neuroma formation.

Introduction: Post-operative facial palsy is the most important potential complication of parotid surgery for benign lesions. The published prevalence of facial weakness is up to 57 per cent for temporary weakness and up to 7 per cent for permanent weakness. We aimed to identify potential risk factors for post-operative facial palsy., Materials and Methods: One hundred and fifty patients who had undergone parotid surgery for benign disease were retrospectively reviewed. Tumour factors (size, location and histopathology), patient factors (age and sex) and operative factors (operation, surgeon grade, surgeon specialty and use of intra-operative facial nerve monitoring) were all analysed for significant associations with post-operative facial palsy., Results and Analysis: The overall incidence of facial palsy was 26.7 per cent for temporary weakness and 2.6 per cent for permanent weakness. The associations between facial palsy and all the above factors were analysed using Pearson's chi-square test and found to be non-significant., Conclusion: These outcomes compare favourably with the literature. No significant risk factors were identified, suggesting that atraumatic, meticulous surgical technique is still the most important factor affecting post-operative facial palsy.

We herein report the case of 41-year-old homosexual man who presented to our hospital with typical acute retroviral syndrome. Complications of bilateral facial nerve palsy and appendicitis appeared eight days after admission. The bilateral facial nerve palsy spontaneously recovered one month later; however, the appendicitis required surgical intervention. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of appendicitis related to acute retroviral syndrome.

Moyamoya syndrome is a rare chronic progressive disease of brain vessels in which certain arteries in the brain are constricted. During the disease a collateral circulation develops around the blocked vessels to compensate for the blockage, and on angiography these collateral vessels have the appearance of a "puff of smoke". Moyamoya syndrome is extremely rare disease, especially outside of Japan We describe a clinical case of a 27-year-old patient from Tomsk with Moyamoya disease. The clinical features are an acute stroke in the right middle cerebral artery with dysarthria and paralysis of VII and XII cranial nerves. The diagnosis of moyamoya is suggested by MRI-angiogram results in accordance to the diagnostic criteria.

Background: The aim of this study was to analyze complications of vestibular schwannoma (VS) microsurgery., Material and Methods: A retrospective study was performed in 333 patients with unilateral vestibular schwannoma indicated for surgical treatment between January 1997 and December 2012. Postoperative complications were assessed immediately after VS surgery as well as during outpatient followup., Results: In all 333 patients microsurgical vestibular schwannoma (Koos grade 1: 12, grade 2: 34, grade 3: 62, and grade 4: 225) removal was performed. The main neurological complication was facial nerve dysfunction. The intermediate and poor function (HB III-VI) was observed in 124 cases (45%) immediately after surgery and in 104 cases (33%) on the last followup. We encountered disordered vestibular compensation in 13%, permanent trigeminal nerve dysfunction in 1%, and transient lower cranial nerves (IX-XI) deficit in 6%. Nonneurological complications included CSF leakage in 63% (lateral/medial variant: 99/1%), headache in 9%, and intracerebral hemorrhage in 5%. We did not encounter any case of meningitis., Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that despite the benefits of advanced high-tech equipment, refined microsurgical instruments, and highly developed neuroimaging technologies, there are still various and significant complications associated with vestibular schwannomas microsurgery.

Background: Delayed recovery after facial palsy results in aberrant nerve regeneration with symptomatic movement disorders, summarized as the postparalytic facial nerve syndrome. The authors present an alternative surgical approach for improvement of periocular movement disorders in patients with postparalytic facial nerve syndrome. The authors proposed that endoscopic brow lift leads to an improvement of periocular movement disorders by reducing pathologically raised levels of afferent input., Methods: Eleven patients (seven women and four men) with a mean age of 54 years (range, 33 to 85 years) and with postparalytic facial nerve syndrome underwent endoscopic brow lift under general anesthesia. Patients' preoperative condition was compared with their postoperative condition using a retrospective questionnaire. Subjects were also asked to compare the therapeutic effectiveness of endoscopic brow lift and botulinum toxin type A., Results: Mean follow-up was 52 months (range, 22 to 83 months). No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. During follow-up, patients and physicians observed an improvement of periorbital contractures and oculofacial synkinesis. Scores on quality of life improved significantly after endoscopic brow lift. Best results were obtained when botulinum toxin type A was adjoined after the endoscopic brow lift. Patients described a cumulative therapeutic effect., Conclusions: These findings suggest endoscopic brow lift as a promising additional treatment modality for the treatment of periocular postparalytic facial nerve syndrome-related symptoms, leading to an improved quality of life. Even though further prospective investigation is needed, a combination of endoscopic brow lift and postsurgical botulinum toxin type A administration could become a new therapeutic standard.

Objectives: To evaluate results after carotid body tumor (CBT) surgery using a novel dissection technique., Methods: A retrospective analysis of all operated CBT in the last 6 years was carried out and results were compared with the current literature and our previous series, which reported another 111 cases operated on until 2005., Results: Forty-five CBTs were removed in 41 (56% hereditary cases) patients (seven Shamblin I, 22 II, and 16 III). There were no cases of permanent cranial nerve injury or stroke. These pre- and postoperative results compare favorably with our previous series and are superior to, generally smaller, studies reported in the contemporary literature., Conclusions: This large series of surgically-treated CBTs supports craniocaudal dissection as the surgical technique of choice as it limits blood loss and facilitates safe CBT resection., (Copyright © 2013 European Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The first reported case of facial paralysis due to an inflammatory pseudotumor (IPT) of the facial nerve as a complication of epidermal nevus syndrome (ENS) is herein presented. A 10-month-old female patient was diagnosed with ENS at 3 months of age. She was referred to us because of moderate left facial paralysis. Epidermal nevi of her left auricle extended deep into the external ear canal. Otoscopy revealed polypous nevi and cholesteatoma debris filling the left ear. Computed tomography showed a soft mass filling the ear canal, including the middle ear, and an enormously enlarged facial nerve. Surgical exploration revealed numerous polypous nevi, external ear cholesteatoma, and tumorous swelling of the facial nerve. The middle ear ossicles were completely lost. The facial paralysis was improved after decompression surgery, but recurred 5 months later. A second operation was conducted 10 months after the first. During this operation, facial nerve decompression was completed from the geniculate ganglion to near the stylomastoid foramen. Histological diagnosis of the facial nerve tumor was IPT probably caused by chronic external ear inflammation induced by epidermal nevi. The facial paralysis gradually improved to House-Blackmann grade III 5 years after the second operation., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: Vestibular schwannomas are the hallmark of neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2), occurring in >95% of patients. These tumors develop on the vestibulocochlear nerve and are associated with significant morbidity due to hearing loss, tinnitus, imbalance, facial weakness, and risk of early mortality from brainstem compression. Although hearing loss and facial weakness have been identified as important functional outcomes for patients with NF2, there is a lack of consensus regarding appropriate endpoints in clinical trials., Methods: The functional outcomes group reviewed existing endpoints for hearing and facial function and developed consensus recommendations for response evaluation in NF2 clinical trials., Results: For hearing endpoints, the functional group endorsed the use of maximum word recognition score as a primary endpoint, with the 95% critical difference as primary hearing outcomes. The group recommended use of the scaled measurement of improvement in lip excursion (SMILE) system for studies of facial function., Conclusions: These recommendations are intended to provide researchers with a common set of endpoints for use in clinical trials of patients with NF2. The use of common endpoints should improve the quality of clinical trials and foster comparison among studies for hearing loss and facial weakness.

"Eight-and-a-half" syndrome is "one-and-a-half" syndrome (conjugated horizontal gaze palsy and internuclear ophthalmoplegia) plus ipsilateral fascicular cranial nerve seventh palsy. This rare condition, particularly when isolated, is caused by circumscribed lesions of the pontine tegmentum involving the abducens nucleus, the ipsilateral medial longitudinal fasciculus, and the adjacent facial colliculus. Its recognition is therefore of considerable diagnostic value. We report a 71-year-old man who presented with eight and a half syndrome associated with contralateral hemiparesis and hemihypesthesia, in which brain magnetic resonance imaging scans revealed a lacunar pontine infarction also involving the corticospinal tract and medial lemniscus. These features could widen the spectrum of pontine infarctions, configuring a possible "nine" syndrome., (Copyright © 2013 National Stroke Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose of Review: Complications of cholesteatoma can be of a different nature from those of other otitis media. This review aims to undertake an analysis of current literature regarding management of the complications of cholesteatoma., Recent Findings: Despite a significant decline in the incidence of complications secondary to cholesteatoma in developed countries it is still a considerable problem in the developing countries. Among intratemporal complications, facial nerve paralysis and labrynthine fistula and among intracranial complications, meningitis, brain abscess and lateral sinus thrombosis are most common. In cases of facial nerve paralysis, decompression with complete disease eradication is considered to be the mainstay of treatment and usefulness of an epineural incision and the range of the decompression are still debatable. Labyrinthine fistula is commonly managed by a single staged matrix removal, followed by closure of the fistula. Partial labrynthectomy in difficult cases is gaining favor among surgeons today. Meningitis and brain abscesses are treated with antibiotics and steroid therapy followed by surgery when the patient is neurologically stable. In lateral sinus thrombosis, mastoidectomy and removal of infected tissue is the primary treatment. Sinus incision and thrombectomy does not seem to improve recanalization and anticoagulation is usually not necessary. Treatment of meningoencephalic herniations is based mainly on the diameter of the herniation., Summary: There is considerable debate in the management of almost every complication of cholesteatoma. Multicentric studies to compare the efficacies of various treatment modalities are the need of the hour to come to definitive conclusions regarding the best treatment options.

The authors' experience of the selective deep lobe parotidectomy for the treatment of pleomorphic adenomas of the deep parotid lobe is presented. A retrospective analysis of 11 patients treated between 1997 and 2010 was performed; seven were males and four were females, ranging in age from 35 to 51 years. Parameters evaluated included facial nerve weakness, the occurrence of Frey's syndrome, cosmetic outcome, and recurrence. Follow-up ranged from 18 months to 11 years. No major complications, permanent facial nerve weakness, or Frey's syndrome occurred. Four patients developed temporary facial nerve impairments that lasted between 2 and 6 weeks, and two developed a sialocele that healed in 9 days in one case and 12 days in the other. The overall cosmetic assessment was excellent in eight patients, good in two, and satisfactory in the remaining one. No recurrences occurred. The selective deep lobe parotidectomy can be considered an effective technique for the management of deep parotid lobe pleomorphic adenomas. The major advantages of this procedure include a reduction in complications such as facial nerve impairments and Frey's syndrome, and an improved cosmetic outcome., (Copyright © 2013 International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The purpose of this three-year, prospective, follow-up study was to evaluate whether aggressive gap arthroplasty is essential in the management of ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Fifteen patients were treated by the creation of a minimal gap of 5-8mm and insertion of an interpositional gap arthroplasty using the temporalis fascia. Eleven patients had unilateral coronoidectomy and 4 bilateral coronoidectomy based on Kaban's protocol. Preoperative assessment included recording of history, clinical and radiological examinations, personal variables, the aetiology of the ankylosis, the side affected, and any other relevant findings. Patients were assessed postoperatively by a surgeon unaware of the treatment given for a minimum of 3 years, which included measurement of the maximal incisal opening, presence of facial nerve paralysis, recurrence, and any other relevant findings. Of the 15 patients (17 joints), 12 had unilateral and three had bilateral involvement, with trauma being the most common cause. The patients were aged between 7 and 29 years (mean (SD) age 20 (8) years). Preoperative maximal incisal opening was 0-2mm in 8 cases and 2-9mm in 9. Postoperatively adequate mouth opening of 30-40mm was achieved in all cases, with no recurrence or relevant malocclusion during 3-year follow up. However, patients will be followed up for 10 years. Aggressive gap arthroplasty is not essential in the management of ankylosis of the TMJ. Minimal gap interpositional arthroplasty with complete removal of the mediolateral ankylotic mass is a feasible and effective method of preventing recurrence., (Copyright © 2012 The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To retrospectively examine the outcomes of hypofractionated stereotactic radiation therapy in three to five fractions for vestibular schwannomas., Methods: Twenty-five patients with 26 vestibular schwannomas were treated with hypofractionated stereotactic radiation therapy using a CyberKnife. The vestibular schwannomas of 5 patients were associated with type II neurofibromatosis. The median follow-up time was 80 months (range: 6-167); the median planning target volume was 2.6 cm(3) (0.3-15.4); and the median prescribed dose (≥D90) was 21 Gy in three fractions (18-25 Gy in three to five fractions). Progression was defined as ≥2 mm 3-dimensional post-treatment tumor enlargement excluding transient expansion. Progression or any death was counted as an event in progression-free survival rates, whereas only progression was counted in progression-free rates., Results: The 7-year progression-free survival and progression-free rates were 78 and 95%, respectively. Late adverse events (≥3 months) with grades based on Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, v4.03 were observed in 6 patients: Grade 3 hydrocephalus in one patient, Grade 2 facial nerve disorders in two and Grade 1-2 tinnitus in three. In total, 12 out of 25 patients maintained pure tone averages ≤50 dB before hypofractionated stereotactic radiation therapy, and 6 of these 12 patients (50%) maintained pure tone averages at this level at the final audiometric follow-up after hypofractionated stereotactic radiation therapy. However, gradient deterioration of pure tone average was observed in 11 of these 12 patients. The mean pure tone averages before hypofractionated stereotactic radiation therapy and at the final follow-up for the aforementioned 12 patients were 29.8 and 57.1 dB, respectively., Conclusions: Treating vestibular schwannomas with hypofractionated stereotactic radiation therapy in three to five fractions may prevent tumor progression with tolerable toxicity. However, gradient deterioration of pure tone average was observed.

Facial palsy can be defined as a decrease in function of the facial nerve, the primary motor nerve of the facial muscles. When the facial palsy is peripheral, it affects both the superior and inferior areas of the face as opposed to central palsies, which affect only the inferior portion. The main cause of peripheral facial palsies is Bell's palsy, which remains a diagnosis of exclusion. The prognosis is good in most cases. In cases with significant cosmetic sequelae, a variety of surgical procedures are available (such as hypoglossal-facial anastomosis, temporalis myoplasty and Tenzel external canthopexy) to rehabilitate facial aesthetics and function., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Painful tic convulsif is referred to as the concurrent trigeminal neuralgia and hemifacial spasm. However, painful tic convulsif after ipsilateral Bell palsy has never been reported before. We report a case of a 77-year-old woman with coexistent trigeminal neuralgia and hemifacial spasm who had experienced Bell palsy half a year ago. The patient underwent microvascular decompression. Intraoperatively, the vertebrobasilar artery was found to deviate to the symptomatic side and a severe adhesion was observed in the cerebellopontine angle. Meanwhile, an ectatic anterior inferior cerebellar artery and 2 branches of the superior cerebellar artery were identified to compress the caudal root entry zone (REZ) of the VII nerve and the rostroventral cisternal portion of the V nerve, respectively. Postoperatively, the symptoms of spasm ceased immediately and the pain disappeared within 3 months. In this article, the pathogenesis of the patient's illness was discussed and it was assumed that the adhesions developed from inflammatory reactions after Bell palsy and the anatomic features of the patient were the factors that generated the disorder. Microvascular decompression surgery is the suggested treatment of the disease, and the dissection should be started from the caudal cranial nerves while performing the operation.

Objectives: Leprosy is a chronic, non-fatal disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. It can cause cutaneous lesions, peripheral nerve lesions and orofacial manifestations, including destruction of the alveolar premaxillary process associated with loss of the maxillary incisors. The aims of this study were to assess orofacial manifestations of disease in patients attending the Bombay Leprosy Project clinics and develop clinical guidelines for dentists., Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire based study was administered to 43 diagnosed leprosy patients. This included questions on perceived oral health status and oral hygiene habits. An extra-oral and intra-oral examination was also performed., Results: Eighty-four per cent of patients were male with a mean age of 35.9 years. Forty-nine per cent had extra-oral cutaneous lesions. Twenty-eight per cent had intra-oral lesions including hyperpigmented patches. Twenty-one per cent had cranial nerve involvement and the trigeminal nerve was most commonly affected., Conclusions: From this data a clinical dental pathway protocol for managing patients with leprosy was developed. It highlights dental issues when managing leprosy patients. Nerve involvement may mean patients are unable to give an accurate account of their symptoms. Special tests should include cranial nerve examination and swabs of intra-oral ulcers. Low rates of infectivity means that normal infection control measures can be taken when treating these patients., (© 2013 FDI World Dental Federation.)

Objectives/hypothesis: To describe the prevalence, clinical course, and outcomes of facial nerve paresis following cochlear implantation and to identify variables associated with poor definitive facial nerve function., Study Design: Retrospective cohort study with systematic literature review., Methods: All patients who underwent cochlear implantation between January 1990 and December 2010 at a single tertiary academic referral center were reviewed. Data including clinical presentation, intraoperative findings, onset, severity, management, and outcomes of all patients who experienced facial nerve paresis following cochlear implantation were recorded., Results: Eight hundred eighty-eight cochlear implants (282 pediatric, 606 adult) were performed in 768 patients. Eleven patients with postoperative facial nerve paresis were identified. Ten patients (1.1%) developed delayed-onset paresis and had complete recovery within 6 months of surgery, whereas a single patient (0.1%) demonstrated immediate onset paresis and experienced incomplete return of facial nerve function. Seventeen additional cases were identified in the literature and were summarized., Conclusions: Facial nerve paresis following cochlear implantation is rare. Most cases demonstrate a delayed onset and have complete recovery within months of surgery. Delayed onset facial nerve paresis following cochlear implantation heralds an excellent prognosis, whereas immediate onset facial paresis prognosticates a poorer outcome. In the absence of medical contraindications, corticosteroid therapy should be considered in facial paresis following cochlear implant surgery., (Copyright © 2013 The American Laryngological, Rhinological, and Otological Society, Inc.)

Background: Signs of nervous system dysfunction such as headache or convulsions often occur in severe systemic hypertension. Less recognized is the association between severe hypertension and peripheral facial nerve palsy. The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature on the association of peripheral facial palsy with severe hypertension., Methods: Systematic review of Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar from 1960 through December 2011 and report of two cases., Results: The literature review revealed 24 cases to which we add two cases with severe hypertension and peripheral facial palsy. Twenty-three patients were children. Palsy was unilateral in 25 cases, bilateral in one case, and recurred in nine. The time between the first facial symptoms and diagnosis of hypertension was a median of 45 days (range, 0 days-2 years). In five case series addressing the complications of severe hypertension in children, 41 further cases of peripheral facial palsy were listed out of 860 patients (4.8%)., Conclusions: The association between severe hypertension and peripheral facial palsy is mainly described in children. Arterial hypertension is diagnosed with a substantial delay. Outcome is favorable with adequate antihypertensive treatment. The pathophysiology is still debated.

Purpose: The effect of transient tumor expansion after conventionally fractionated stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT) on the symptomatic outcomes is not well-known., Methods and Materials: This study enrolled 201 consecutive patients who received SRT for vestibular schwannoma. A conventional fractionation schedule was applied in 194 patients (97%), and 142 (71%) received a total dose of 50 Gy. The median follow-up time was 72 months., Results: The maximum diameter was 9 mm or less in 13 patients, 10-19 mm in 79 patients, 20-29 mm in 87 patients, and 30 mm or greater in 22 patients. At presentation, tumor size of 20 mm or greater was significantly associated with loss of serviceable hearing and trigeminal neuropathy. After SRT, tumor expansion was observed in 42 patients (21%). By tumor size, tumor expansion was observed in 0%, 11.4%, 25.6%, and 50% of patients with tumors of 9 mm or less, 10-19 mm, 20-29 mm, and 30 mm or greater, respectively, in diameter. The tumor expansion was significantly associated with an increased risk of hydrocephalus requiring shunt placement (P=.004), loss of serviceable hearing (P=.0064), and worsening of facial (P<.0001) and trigeminal nerve (P<.0001) functions. Spontaneous tumor shrinkage was observed in 29 of those 42 patients, mostly within 2 years after the expansion, and the majority of the worsened symptoms except for hearing resolved once the tumor had shrunk. As a result, salvage surgical resection for symptomatic relief was required in only 5% of patients., Conclusions: Fractionated SRT could be safely applied even for medium- to large-sized (≥20 mm) tumors. However, greater knowledge of the risks and consequences, including transient symptomatic worsening, and the time span of expansion will be required for the follow-up of patients after SRT to avoid unnecessary surgical intervention., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Chronic sialadenitis (CS) of the parotid gland is an insidious inflammatory disorder which tends to progress and may lead to the formation of a fibrous mass. This is a review of the author's experience of superficial parotidectomy (SP) with duct ligation for non-specific CS of the parotid gland not responding to conservative management. 21 patients (11 females; 10 males) with intractable non specific CS underwent SP with duct ligation. The mean duration of symptoms was 1.93 years (SD 0.48). Fine needle aspiration cytology and magnetic resonance imaging were carried out prior to SP to rule out benign or malignant tumours. The mean duration of observation was 1.71 years (SD 0.39). Six patients (28.57%) developed temporary facial nerve palsy. Three (14.28%) patients developed Frey's syndrome. Paresthesia of the ear lobe was found in all cases. One case (4.76%) each of sialocoele and hypertrophic scar was found. There was complete resolution of symptoms in all the cases. The histopathological report confirmed three cases (14.28%) of mild CS and 18 cases (85.72%) of CS of greater degree. SP along with ligation of the duct is a safe and effective treatment for non-specific CS of the parotid gland., (Copyright © 2012 International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To compare the long-term outcome of hearing and tumor outcome of small vestibular schwannomas treated with stereotactic radiation and microsurgery., Data Sources: A thorough search for English-language publications and "in process" articles dating from 1948 to December 2011 was conducted using Ovid MEDLINE., Study Selection: The principal criteria were patients having had microsurgery or radiation therapy as their sole treatment, with a follow-up of at least 5 years, and a useful hearing level at diagnosis., Data Extraction: Sixteen studies met our criteria. Hearing preservation outcome (worse or preserved) and tumor outcome (failure, control) data, as well as all other significant observations, were collected from the articles. Stereotactic radiation was the only radiation therapy analyzed., Data Synthesis: The Pearson χ test was our primary statistical analysis., Conclusion: Stereotactic radiation showed significantly better long-term hearing preservation outcome rates than microsurgery (p < 0.001). However, long-term tumor outcome was not significantly different in stereotactic radiation as compared with microsurgery (p = 0.122). Although stereotactic radiation demonstrates a more favorable long-term hearing preservation outcome as compared with microsurgery, additional studies are required to provide the medical field with a better understanding of vestibular schwannoma treatment.

Background: The treatment for mandibular condyle fractures remains controversial. Conservative management (CM) and open reduction/internal fixation (ORIF) are both used, but the evidence to support superiority of one method over the other has not been assessed., Methods: We performed a meta-analysis of studies comparing CM versus ORIF in patients with condyle fractures. The primary outcome was post-treatment function; we looked at the status of the post-treatment occlusion, mouth opening, protrusion, facial height, pain and the presence of postoperative ankylosis. Furthermore, in studies evaluating ORIF, adverse effects such as facial nerve weakness and scarring, were also recorded., Results: Twenty (20) studies enrolling 1596 patients were eligible. These included four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 16 non-randomized case series. Only 1186 of these patients were analyzed by the studies; the reasons for exclusion were rarely clarified. All four RCTs were prospective but the majority (69%) of the remaining studies were retrospective. The inclusion criteria were described in all four RCTs; however, this was not the case in half of the remaining studies (44%). Only four (20%) studies were blinded. Across all included studies, we recorded great variation between treatment protocols, follow-up periods, and outcomes measured. This precluded any quantitative synthesis. In nine studies (45%) the superiority of ORIF over CM reached statistical significance. The incidence of facial nerve weakness following ORIF averaged 6% and it was temporary for the majority of the patients. The identified RCTs were small (160 patients) and suffered from a number of methodological shortcomings. All of them reached statistically significant conclusions favoring ORIF over CM., Conclusion: The current meta-analysis suggests that ORIF for condylar fractures may be as good or better than CM. The morbidity associated with the operation is low. However, the available evidence is of poor quality and not strong enough to change clinical practice., (Copyright © 2012 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: Surgical approaches for epidermoid cysts of the cerebellopontine angle (CPA) are dictated by tumor location. Previous reports have advocated the sacrifice of usable hearing to achieve maximal tumor resection in a single operation. The aim of the current study is to demonstrate the applicability of hearing preservation approaches in the neurotologic management of epidermoids of the CPA., Study Design: Retrospective chart review., Methods: A search of archived surgical cases at a single institution between January 1, 1997, and December 31, 2011, revealed 18 cases of epidermoid cysts involving the CPA., Results: Eighteen patients with a mean age 40.9 years underwent surgery. Average tumor size was 4.47 cm, and presenting symptoms included headache, vertigo, cranial neuropathies, and seizures. Thirteen patients underwent a retrosigmoid approach, 2 translabyrinthine, 2 pterional, and 1 retrolabyrinthine/presigmoid. Complications included CSF leak, pseudomeningocele, meningitis, cranial nerve dysfunction, and persistent imbalance. All but 5 patients had long-term follow-up imaging to chronicle tumor residua/recurrence, varying from 6 to 149 months postoperatively. The average length of follow-up was 71.4 months, and residual tumor was common, with most patients demonstrating a focal or small area of residual tumor on follow-up imaging. Two patients had undergone previous surgery for epidermoid excision elsewhere. Two patients required reoperation for epidermoid regrowth, and the times between surgeries were 44 and 78 months. Of the patients who underwent a retrosigmoid approach, 9 had postoperative audiograms. All of these patients maintained hearing at or near their preoperative level except for 2 patients whose hearing declined and one whose hearing significantly improved., Conclusion: Hearing preservation approaches for epidermoids of the CPA is a feasible option for long-term control of these tumors. Resection from a retrosigmoid approach can provide years of useful hearing, and the majority of patients do not require reoperation.

Differential diagnosis of facial nerve palsy in children is extensive. We report on three pediatric cases presenting with facial nerve palsy caused by hyperostosis corticalis generalisata (Van Buchem disease). This autosomal recessive disease is characterized by progressive bone overgrowth, with narrowing of the neuroforamina in the skull causing cranial neuropathies. These three new cases of Van Buchem disease are of interest because of exceptionally early presentation of symptoms. Furthermore, this is the first report describing bilateral papilledema in a child with Van Buchem disease. Head computerized tomography (CT) scan revealed thickened calvarium, skull base and mandible in all three children, with narrowed facial nerve canals. Bone mineral density (BMD) was markedly increased at all measured points and biochemical markers of bone formation were significantly elevated. Diagnosis of Van Buchem disease was genetically confirmed. The cases are unique in that these are the first well-documented pediatric cases of Van Buchem disease., (Copyright © 2012 European Paediatric Neurology Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is a postinfectious, autoimmune disorder which, apart from limb weakness, is characterised by cranial nerve involvement. Bilateral facial nerve palsy is the most common pattern of cranial nerve involvement in GBS. However, unilateral facial palsy, although uncommon, can be seen in GBS. We report a rare case of unilateral facial palsy in GBS and importance of electrophysiological tests including blink study in such cases has been emphasised.

Hypothesis: Bell's palsy is highly associated with diabetes mellitus., Background: The cause of Bell's palsy in diabetes mellitus is not completely understood. Diabetic mononeuropathy or reactivation of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) may be responsible for the facial paralysis seen in diabetic patients. We previously reported transient and ipsilateral facial paralysis in mice inoculated with HSV-1. In this study, we examined the neuropathogenesis of HSV-1 in diabetic mice to clarify the relationship between Bell's palsy and diabetes mellitus., Methods: We compared the incidence and course of facial paralysis after HSV-1 inoculation in diabetic and nondiabetic mice groups. Diabetic mice were prepared by intraperitoneal streptozotocin injection. Facial nerve damage was assessed by electrophysiologic and histopathologic examinations., Results: Compared with the nondiabetic group, the incidence of facial nerve paralysis was significantly increased in the diabetic mice. Electrophysiologic examinations and histopathologic changes also revealed that the facial nerve damage was more severe in the diabetic group., Conclusion: The aggravated course of HSV-1 infection in diabetes suggests that HSV-1 may be the main causative factor for the increased incidence of facial paralysis in diabetic patients.

Leptospirosis is a zoonosis prevalent worldwide and is endemic in many parts of India. In early leptospiremic as well as late immune phase of the disease kidney, liver, heart, and lungs are commonly involved. Neurological manifestations are rare but may occur during immune phase in the form of aseptic meningitis, meningoencephalitis, seizures, myelitis, polyradiculoneuritis, and myalgia. In this report, we describe a rare case of leptospirosis with combined involvement of nerve, muscle, and myoneural junction in generalized fashion along with pulmonary, renal, and hepatic dysfunction.

Background: Fractures of the condyle account for one third of all the mandibular fractures. Different surgical approaches to the condyle described hitherto testify to the advantages and disadvantages of the different surgical techniques used for approaching the condyle in such cases of fractures. We have described and compared two of such surgical techniques in this study., Aim: The aim of this study is to compare the outcome of dealing with condylar fractures by two different surgical techniques: the mini retromandibular approach, and the preauricular approach., Materials and Methods: A prospective study of 31 patients who had suffered with mandibular condylar fractures was carried out. Of these, 26 patients had unilateral condylar fractures, and 5 patients had a bilateral fracture. Further, 19 of these patients were treated by the mini retromandibular approach and 12 by the preauricular approach. The treated patients were followed up and evaluated for a minimum period of 1 year and assessed for parameters such as the maximum mouth opening, lateral movement on the fractured side, mandibular movements such as protrusion, dental occlusion, scar formation, facial nerve weakness, salivary fistula formation and time taken for the completion of the surgical procedure., Statistical Analysis: t- test was used for statistical analysis of the data obtained in the study., Results: Dental occlusion was restored in all the cases, and good anatomical reduction was achieved. The mean operating time was higher 63.53 (mean) ± 18.12 minutes standard deviation (SD) in the preauricular approach compared to 45.22 (mean) ± 18.86 minutes SD in the mini retromandibular approach. Scar formation was satisfactory in almost all the cases.

Objective: We describe the first reported case of a phosphaturic mesenchymal tumour, mixed connective tissue variant, invading the temporal bone., Case Report: A female patient presented with increasing deafness. On examination there appeared to be a mass behind an intact tympanic membrane. Further radiological investigation showed a vascular mass occupying the middle ear, mastoid and internal auditory meatus. This was surgically resected and revealed to be a benign phosphaturic mesenchymal tumour, mixed connective tissue variant. The tumour recurred a year later, presenting as facial nerve palsy. A revision procedure was carried out; the tumour was excised with the sacrifice of a segment of the facial nerve, and a facial-hypoglossal nerve anastomosis was performed., Conclusion: This case report highlights the occurrence of this benign but sometimes aggressive tumour, of which both clinicians and pathologists should be aware. Early recognition of the condition remains of utmost importance to minimise the debilitating consequences of long-term osteomalacia in affected patients, and to prevent extracranial and intracranial complications caused by the tumour.

Middle ear adenoma is a rare disease that arises from the mucosa of the middle ear. Only a few cases of associated facial nerve paralysis have been reported. Facial nerve involvement is most likely related to nerve compression rather than tumor invasion of the nerve. We describe a case of a huge middle ear adenoma in a 63-year-old man. He presented with a 1-month history of right-sided otalgia, otorrhea, and facial palsy; he also had a 10-year history of right-sided hearing loss. A tympanomastoidectomy was performed. Intraoperatively, the tumor was found to fill the middle ear cavity as well as the entire diameter of the external auditory canal. The tumor had eroded the wall of the facial canal at the second genu, and it was tightly adherent to the epineurium. Focal inflammation around the tumor was observed at the exposed facial nerve. The tumor was removed and the facial nerve was decompressed. Immediately after surgery, the patient's aural symptoms resolved. The final pathology evaluation established the diagnosis of a middle ear adenoma. At the 3-year follow-up, the ear cavity was completely healed and facial nerve function was improved.