OBJECTIVE: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an evolving technology that is being investigated for application in the study of the facial nerve. At the present time the majority of investigators use paramagnetic contrast agents, and the clinical utility of MRI for evaluation of facial paralysis is unproved. This study investigated both normal and injured rat facial nerves without contrast enhancement. METHOD: Anatomic dissection and histologic studies were performed to better define the location of the facial nerve. A surface coil was used to improve image resolution. RESULTS: Proton-weighted images showed that the normal facial nerve was a solid structure while the injured facial nerve was bright on T2-weighted images. CONCLUSION: MRI is a potentially useful method of investigating patients with facial nerve dysfunction. Further research is needed to clarify its role.
OBJECTIVE: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an evolving technology that is being investigated for application in the study of the facial nerve. At the present time the majority of investigators use paramagnetic contrast agents, and the clinical utility of MRI for evaluation of facial paralysis is unproved. This study investigated both normal and injured rat facial nerves without contrast enhancement. METHOD: Anatomic dissection and histologic studies were performed to better define the location of the facial nerve. A surface coil was used to improve image resolution. RESULTS: Proton-weighted images showed that the normal facial nerve was a solid structure while the injured facial nerve was bright on T2-weighted images. CONCLUSION: MRI is a potentially useful method of investigating patients with facial nerve dysfunction. Further research is needed to clarify its role.