Facial paralysis: traumatic neuromas vs. facial nerve neoplasms

Traumatic neuromas (TN) are benign proliferations of neural tissue that may occur without disruption of the facial nerve. The clinical presentation, as well as the radiographic appearance, may suggest neoplastic involvement of the facial nerve. Histologically, they may closely resemble neurilemomas (Schwannomas) or neurofibromas. Three cases of TN of the facial nerve associated with facial paralysis are presented here. Unlike previously reported cases, these tumors were not associated with chronic inflammatory middle ear disease. TN must be considered in the differential diagnosis and treatment of facial paralysis.