Facial nerve palsy is the most common complication after vestibular schwannoma surgery. Its etiology is unknown and, in a small group of patients, it can manifest as delayed palsy. OBJECTIVE: To focus on delayed palsy itself and its possible association with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection.
Audiologists counselling patients pre- and post-vestibular schwannoma surgery should be aware that delayed facial nerve palsy is a documented complication; this study may sharpen expectations for post-COVID-era surgical cohorts, but no change to audiological management protocol is indicated based on this study alone.
Understanding the incidence and timing of delayed facial nerve palsy after vestibular schwannoma surgery is important for multidisciplinary teams managing these patients, including audiologists involved in pre- and post-operative hearing assessment.
- 01Study examines delayed facial nerve palsy (weakness appearing days after surgery) following vestibular schwannoma removal.