A novel technique to identify the nerve of origin in head and neck schwannomas.

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A novel technique to identify the nerve of origin in head and neck schwannomas.

J Laryngol Otol. 2018 Apr 18;:1-5

Authors: Ching HH, Spinner AG, Reeve NH, Wang RC

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Identifying the nerve of origin in head and neck schwannomas is a diagnostic challenge. Surgical management leads to a risk of permanent deficit. Accurate identification of the nerve would improve operative planning and patient counselling.
METHODS: Three patients with head and neck schwannomas underwent a diagnostic procedure hypothesised to identify the nerve of origin. The masses were infiltrated with 1 per cent lidocaine solution, and the patients were observed for neurological deficits.
RESULTS: All three patients experienced temporary loss of nerve function after lidocaine injection. Facial nerve palsy, voice changes with documented unilateral same-side vocal fold paralysis, and numbness in the distribution of the maxillary nerve (V2), respectively, led to a likely identification of the nerve of origin.
CONCLUSION: Injection of lidocaine into a schwannoma is a safe, in-office procedure that produces a temporary nerve deficit, which may enable accurate identification of the nerve of origin of a schwannoma. Identifying the nerve of origin enhances operative planning and patient counselling.

PMID: 29665890 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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