Dual nerve transfer for facial reanimation

Abstract

The facial nerve is the 7th cranial nerve and carries nerve fibers which control facial movement and expression. This nerve also carries fibers that are involved for the production of taste from the anterior 2/3rd of the tongue and tears from the lacrimal gland. Facial asymmetry is a debilitating condition to treat, and over the years, different techniques have been devised for improving facial asymmetry and function. Dual nerve transfer is the combination of hypoglossal nerve transfer and massetric nerve transfer. This technique is proven to correct facial asymmetry and helps restore facial tone without affecting much of tongue functionality. This case report helps understand the effectiveness of facial reanimation that was conducted on a patient with Grade VI facial nerve paralysis and follow-up after 6 months postsurgery shows drastic change in the outcome.

Keywords

• facial paralysis
• facial reanimation
• hypoglossal-facial nerve anastomosis
• masseteric nerve transfer
• vestibular schwannoma