Facial Nerve Involvement

[Isla247]

Hi everyone,

I was told last MRI that I have facial nerve involvement with my small AN. They aren't sure whether it is growing from the facial nerve or just attached to the facial nerve. I am wondering what - if any - symptoms people have had with their facial nerve being involved? The tumour I have is small (7-8mm) and it is growing - although at a fairly average rate (around 2mm every 6 months). I was talking to a friend a week ago and mid-conversation she stopped me and said that my left eye had drooped. By the time I arrived home, my eye looked normal but I thought I had better tell the doctor. I rang up today to find out what he thought and was told it had nothing to do with the tumour. I am so confused - yet again!

I would love to hear of other peoples experiences please.

Cheers

[jami]

Hi Isla247,

NO medical qualifications here... all I can say is that my care team (Neurosurgeon + Otolaryngologist + Oncologist) asked me to contact them if i have facial movement issues.

Others may have more to offer here.

Jami

[Greece Lover]

I also, am NOT a doctor. But my understanding is that, especially with a small tumor, the complication would come with treatment. It may not impact you for a while right now, but it would make surgery, for example, more complicated. Often the facial nerve receives trauma from during surgery. Mine did, and I had face paralyzed for a few weeks, but it all pretty much came back.

[Blw]

That is your first clue that is facial nerve involvement--eye drooping. That nerve covers half your face so worse case--if it were cut, you have eyelid problems, mouth problems, tongue problems, swallowing. I believe can test for that nerve pretty easily--forgot the name of it. In any event, I would almost certainly avoid surgery and use radiation. If that nerve gets cut, you need a graft.