A Novel Technique to Identify the Nerve of Origin in Head and Neck Schwannomas
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-18-2018
Publication Title
Journal of Laryngology and Otology
First page number:
1
Last page number:
5
Abstract
Objective: Identifying the nerve of origin in head and neck schwannomas is a diagnostic challenge. Surgical management leads to a risk of permanent deficit. Accurate identification of the nerve would improve operative planning and patient counselling. Methods:: Three patients with head and neck schwannomas underwent a diagnostic procedure hypothesised to identify the nerve of origin. The masses were infiltrated with 1 per cent lidocaine solution, and the patients were observed for neurological deficits. Results:: All three patients experienced temporary loss of nerve function after lidocaine injection. Facial nerve palsy, voice changes with documented unilateral same-side vocal fold paralysis, and numbness in the distribution of the maxillary nerve (V2), respectively, led to a likely identification of the nerve of origin. Conclusion:: Injection of lidocaine into a schwannoma is a safe, in-office procedure that produces a temporary nerve deficit, which may enable accurate identification of the nerve of origin of a schwannoma. Identifying the nerve of origin enhances operative planning and patient counselling.
Keywords
Head; Neck; Neurilemmoma; Schwannoma
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences
Repository Citation
Ching, H. H.,
Spinner, A. G.,
Reeve, N.,
Wang, R.
(2018).
A Novel Technique to Identify the Nerve of Origin in Head and Neck Schwannomas.
Journal of Laryngology and Otology
1-5.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0022215118000567
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