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.
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.