gms | German Medical Science

Objective: motoric facial nerve dysfunction is a known possible postoperative complication of vestibular schwannoma surgery. In this study we are systematically analyzing the clinical aspects of the postoperative non-motoric facial nerve dysfunction after resection of vestibular schwannoma.

Methods: Prospective analysis of patients operated for vestibular schwannoma in the international neuroscience institute. Twenty patients are endorsed in this study. The taste functions were examined using taste strips. The patients are required to identify the modality and the intensity and compare it to the healthy side. The lacrimation function was tested with Schiermer’s test. Furthermore, the patients were asked to report if they have abnormal taste sensation or disturbance in lacrimation.

Results: The taste test was abnormal in one patient. Two patients reported about subjective changes in the taste (metallic taste). There was no significant correlation between the disturbance in the taste function and the degree of motoric facial nerve dysfunction. Six patients reported about disturbances in lacrimation. This symptom was significantly correlated to the motoric facial nerve dysfunction. One patient developed crocodile tear 4 months after surgery in spite of normal postoperative motoric facial nerve function.

Conclusion: The taste function of the facial nerve is rarely affected even in cases of early postoperative profound facial nerve palsy. The disturbed lacrimation is a more common symptom which is related to the degree of motoric facial nerve dysfunction. The patients should be informed about this possible complication.