Middle fossa facial schwannoma removed via the intracranial extradural approach: case report and review of the literature.

A case of an intracranial facial schwannoma originating from the geniculate ganglion in a patient without neurofibromatosis is presented. Preoperative diagnosis and determination of site of origin along the facial nerve course is stressed through analysis of radiographic and clinical features. The tumor was completely removed using an intracranial, extradural approach.