Facial nerve haemangiomas

Facial nerve haemangiomas are uncommon tumours affecting the facial nerve in the temporal bone. The tumours may be intraneural or extraneural in nature. Their presentation often involves progressive facial nerve weakness which may fluctuate in association with twitching and facial spasm. High resolution C.T. scanning and M.R.I. scanning with gadolinium are helpful in diagnosing the tumour. Intraneural haemangiomas require resection of the facial nerve and primary repair. Extraneural haemangiomas may be removed without sacrificing the integrity of the nerve.