Analysis of Nervus Intermedius Function Following Microsurgical Resection of Large Acoustic Tumors

Abstract

Introduction: Complete microsurgical resection of large (equal to or larger than 3 cm) vestibular schwannomas continues to be the most common treatment for this disease entity. Previous reports have documented facial function following surgery in our series, but to our knowledge no systematic analyses of the functions mediated by the nervus intermedius or sensory root of the facial nerve have been published for this patient population. The composition of the nervus intermedius is more complex than that of the motor facial nerve. There are general visceral efferents (GVE) supplying the lacrimal, the submaxillary, and sublingual glands. Also, there exist special visceral efferent fibers conveying taste impulses from the anterior two thirds of the tongue. A cutaneous sensory branch is also present.