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Facial nerve palsy: evaluation by contrast-enhanced MR imaging
T Kinoshita1, K Ishii, T Okitsu
1Department of Radiology, Sendai City Hospital, Japan.
Clinical Radiology
|October 18, 2001
Summary
Contrast-enhanced MRI is valuable for diagnosing facial nerve palsy. This imaging technique can identify inflammation and trauma, even in cases without obvious symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Peripheral facial nerve palsy affects nerve function.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic utility of contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for peripheral facial nerve palsy.
Main Methods:
- 147 patients with facial nerve palsy underwent 1.0 T MR imaging.
- Contrast-enhanced MR imaging was used for all patients.
- Findings were compared to 300 control subjects.
Main Results:
- Normal facial nerve segments showed no enhancement.
- 67% of Bell's palsy patients had distal intrameatal segment enhancement.
- 91% of Bell's palsy patients showed geniculate ganglion/tympanic-mastoid segment enhancement.
Conclusions:
- Facial nerve enhancement in specific segments is indicative of facial nerve palsy.
- Contrast-enhanced MR imaging detects inflammatory and traumatic nerve injuries.
- This method can identify subclinical nerve damage in trauma.