There are several types of facial nerve tumors; facial nerve schwannomas are the most common. Facial nerve schwannomas are benign (non-cancerous) tumors that originate from Schwann cells, which are the cells that produce myelin sheaths covering nerve fibers. While most occur sporadically, facial nerve schwannomas can occur as part of genetic syndromes like Neurofibromatosis Type 1 or Neurofibromatosis Type 2. Most patients with a facial nerve tumor experience sudden or progressive facial weakness, symptoms similar to Bell’s Palsy. Hearing loss can also occur if the tumor compresses or invades structures associated with the hearing system. Conductive hearing loss may result if the tumor abuts the eardrum or the hearing bones within the middle ear. Sensorineural hearing loss may occur if the tumor is large enough to compress the auditory nerve or invade inner ear structures.
A complete history and physical examination is recommended for patients experiencing facial weakness/paralysis. Typically, the workup for this condition includes a comprehensive hearing test and for those with a normal in-office exam of the ear, an MRI scan of the Brain (with fine-cut internal auditory canal protocol) is obtained. If the examination of the ear is abnormal, a high-resolution temporal bone CT scan may be substituted instead. Typically, Dr. Jacob’s goal is to evaluate the entire course of the facial nerve (from brainstem into the parotid gland). Surgical recommendations are made on a case-by-case basis depending on the size and location of the tumor, hearing status and whether the nerve is weak or completely paralyzed. These tumors are typically slow growing and may not require treatment for years; however, they should be followed closely.
Why Choose Us
Dr. Abraham Jacob, Medical Director for Ear & Hearing (E&H) at the Center for Neurosciences (CNS), is fellowship trained in Otology, Neurotology, and Cranial Base Surgery. He is the first and most experienced Neurotologist in Tucson.Dr. Jacob was a founding member of the University of Arizona (UA) Department of Otolaryngology prior to his departure and transition to CNS. At UA, he was Vice Chair of ENT and held the rank of full Professor with Tenure. He has an international reputation as an expert for treating ear diseases.Dr. Jacob transitioned his practice to the Center for Neurosciences in early 2017 as he felt that the new environment helped him to optimize delivery of personalized ear and lateral skull base care.Dr. Jacob offers state-of-the-art medical and surgical care for patients with all types of ear and lateral skull base disorders. Doubled Board Certified in both ENT and Otology/Neurotology, Dr. Jacob is uniquely qualified to detect, diagnose, evaluate, surgically decompress, surgically resect and surgically rehabilitate disorders of the facial nerve through trans-temporal and middle cranial fossa surgical approaches.
Ear & Hearing Appointments
Our Otologist/Neurotologist specializes in the medical and surgical care of patients with disorders of the ear and lateral skull base. Otology/Neurotology and Audiology work together to offer complete hearing health solutions.
To schedule an appointment with our Ear & Hearing department, please call us at (520) 795-7750.
Our Physicians’ Goal
Our physicians’ goal is to provide the highest-quality neurological care– the same level of care we would want for ourselves or our loved ones.
We will help our patients to understand their condition, listen to their concerns, answer their questions, and provide the best clinical treatment available.