an diagnosis due to facial paralysis

[mvi]

Hello to all,

I experienced sudden facial paralysis on 11/18 and was diagnosed with Bell's palsy at the ER. I had a CT scan which was negative. The next day, I followed up with my ENT. Besides the paralysis (no forehead movement, no eye closure, droopy mouth, trouble eating and speaking, etc), I mentioned to my ENT that I had been experiencing full ear and some difficulty hearing on that side. He ordered an MRI and auditive tests to "make sure" it wasn't "something else". My auditive tests showed moderate hearing loss; I do not have any dizzinness or balance issues. The MRI showed a small 12mm tumor in "either the 7th or 8th cranial nerve". My ENT referred me to a specialist locally (I live in Puerto Rico) who diagnosed acoustic neuroma but was perplexed about the facial palsy symptoms, as they are not consistent with acoustic neuroma. He said a facial nerve schwannoma is very rare. He reccommended surgery. I decided to look for a second opinion. I visited with neurologist at the Brigham & Women's Hospital in Boston. The team there was also a bit stunned at the facial palsy. Suggested surgery as well but explained the increased risks of the surgery if the tumor was on the 7th nerve instead of the 8th, as suspected. They wanted to wait at least 3-4 weeks until surgery to see if there were any changes in my face. One month after my initial diagnosis, my face started to improve! I visited again with neurosurgeon in Boston (one month follow up after initial consultation), and he was very happy and surprised to see how my face had improved. Another MRI was performed which showed no change. Based on this, we have now decided to observe and wait. My face has improved almost completely; only some weakness remains. My doctor cannot be sure of the reason of my paralysis and/or the improvement. He thinks a coincidental Bell's palsy and tumor finding would be pretty unbelievable. It has now been one month from my last visit in Boston. My face continues to be better each day. I have moderate deafness and tinnitus; no other symptoms. I am reaching out to ask the members if anyone has had facial palsy as their first symptom of an AN. Thank you for your help!

[Cheryl R]

I did have a facial neuroma in 2006 with some drooping being the first idea it might be.    Due to having NF2,this was my 3rd tumor found but 2nd surgery.   I was just seeing my neurotologist for a routine MRI.           I did have surgery with the nerve being severed but  a nerve graft also done at same time from nerve by the ear.   I was already deaf on that side.     It is hard to know what exactly you are going thru as could be bells palsy also.     I would not wait for too long for you if do have surgery as bigger could mean bigger chance to lose the facial nerve.   Most dr will leave a sliver if possible.   I did gain facial movement back but not perfect. No movement at eye brow.      I was told that you can not absolutely know if is a facial till get in.   Mine was around 2 cm with none seen the year before.                    What to do can be hard so wish you well in how it goes.        Cheryl R

[mvi]

Thank You Cheryl. Yes, I have also been told that the diagnosis of FN cannot be confirmed until actually seen in surgery.