Using acupuncture to manage facial nerve palsy post-acoustic neuroma treatment

Abstract

Objective: Vestibular schwannomas are benign, slow-growing tumours derived from overproduction of Schwann cells from the vestibular nerve. As the schwannoma grows it causes problems to hearing and balance and may cause problems with the facial muscles. Vestibular schwannomas are normally managed by surgery, radiosurgery or observation. Due to its close proximity to the facial and the vestibulocochlear nerves, subsequent facial nerve palsy and hearing loss is a common sequelae after management of vestibular schwannoma. Management of facial nerve palsy is limited and the resultant can cause physical and social disabilities. The study looks to compare the severity of facial nerve palsy after acupuncture. Method: We identified 100 patients who suffered from facial nerve palsy after acoustic neuroma treatment at our center from January 2007 to December 2016. Patients received steroids, no treatment or acupuncture. Outcome measures included recovery from surgical complications and resumption of pre-morbid cranial nerve functions.