Bifid Facial Nerve with Dual Origin Identified During Resection of Vestibular Schwannoma.

Facial nerve identification and preservation is a critical step in the resection of vestibular schwannoma. The use of intraoperative neurostimulation to positively identify the facial nerve along its entire course is essential to prevent injury. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a bifid facial nerve with a dual origin at the brainstem, which we observed during resection of vestibular schwannoma via the translabyrinthine approach.

A morphometric study of the structures bordering the infra-cochlear corridor - Relevant for endoscopic/microscopic ear surgery.

Application of surgical endoscope, used alone or in combination with the surgical microscope, for the operative management of ear and temporal bone conditions may allow improved access and clearance of disease. Preservation of normal structures may also be improved. As the use of this tool is increasing, the need for better understanding of the anatomy of the ear is becoming evident.

Diagnosis and Management of Dural Sinus Thrombosis following Resection of Cerebellopontine Angle Tumors.

Objective Lateral sinus thrombosis is a potentially devastating but seldom studied complication of cerebellopontine angle (CPA) tumor surgery. Systemic anticoagulation in the early postoperative period has often been avoided due to the potential risks of intracranial hemorrhage. Design Retrospective review.

Extensive craniocervical pneumocranium.

The authors report the first case of extensive craniocervical pneumocranium causing mass effect, without any associated extradural pneumatocele. The patient presented with frontal headaches and unusual sensations in his left ear. He was found to have large pneumocranium involving his left frontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital bones as well as the atlas.

Quality of life among acoustic neuroma patients managed by microsurgery, radiation, or observation.

Objective: The main aim of this study was to examine differences in quality of life (QoL) among acoustic neuroma patients across the management options of microsurgery, radiation, and observation. Additional aims were to describe QoL and investigate management, medical, and demographic factors that predicted QoL in this patient group.

Study Design: Cross-sectional design, using a postal questionnaire.

Otogenic cranial base osteomyelitis: a proposed prognosis-based system for disease classification.

Objectives: To review the presentation, microbiology, and long-term results of treating otogenic cranial base osteomyelitis to develop a prognosis-based disease classification system.

Patients And Methods: Thirty-eight patients with otogenic cranial base osteomyelitis treated between 1989 and 2002 were studied. Patient demographics, presentation, pathogens, details of therapy, and disease-specific survival were recorded.

Asymmetrical hearing loss.

Background: General practitioners are usually the first point of contact for patients with hearing loss. Asymmetrical sensorineural hearing loss can be a symptom of a wide range of diseases. A correct diagnosis is essential for appropriate treatment and limitation of the progression of hearing loss.