Facial nerve schwannoma of the internal auditory canal.

BACKGROUND

Facial nerve schwannoma of the internal auditory canal is a very rare tumour.

AIM

While Bell's palsy is the commonest cause of a facial paresis, more serious causes should be excluded if recovery is delayed.

METHOD

A case report of a young man who presented with a long standing facial palsy.

CONCLUSION

Any facial palsy that does not show evidence of recovery within six weeks should be investigated radiologically to exclude a tumour.