Facial nerve schwannomas presenting with vestibular dysfunction: a case series

Facial nerve schwannomas (FS) can symptomatically mimic vestibular schwannomas (VS). In addition, FS can be difficult to distinguish from VS on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Although disequilibrium is not uncommon in patients with FS, no previous studies have investigated the vestibular function in such patients. Three cases of FS presented vestibular dysfunction as measured with caloric test, video head impulse test (VHIT), and vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs). All patients in this study had a considerable affection of the vestibular function as assessed by the vestibular test panel. Audiovestibular evaluation of FS provides important information that may influence treatment strategy. As VS, FS should be evaluated with vestibular tests prior to intervention.