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


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