MANAGEMENT OF TRIGEMINAL SCHWANNOMA: FROM POSTERIOR FOSSA TO FACE

Trigeminal schwannomas are rare lesions. It can arise from any part of the nerve from its origin in posterior fossa to its peripheral branches in the face. It presents particular challenge to neurosurgeons because it commonly involves more than one compartment in the skull base. In the past three years, we managed 8 patients with trigeminal schwannoma. The presentation varied according to their location and size. Common symptoms include facial numbness, diplopia, hemiparesis, and facial pain. Six patients underwent surgery with total excision, one patient underwent subtotal surgical excision plus radiosurgery and one patient underwent radiosurgery alone. Surgical strategies included petrosal, middle fossa and facial maxillary swing approach. The choice of the surgical approach, surgical results and complications will be discussed.