Schwannoma of the Intermediate Nerve: A Rare Type of Cerebellopontine Angle Tumor

Abstract

Background: Schwannoma of the Intermediate Nerve is rare. The most majority of cerebellopontine angle (CPA) lesions are vestibular Schwannomas. Case description: A 50-year-old woman presented with intense ear pain, facial palsy and hypoacusis. MRI revealed a CPA tumor. A left retrosigmoid approach and microsurgery was performed and the tumor origin was from the intermediate nerve. Intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring (MNIO) was used during the surgery. Conclusion: Schwannomas of the intermediate nerve is indistinguishable from vestibular schwannomas on preoperatory image, however it’s possible to identify tumor origin during microsurgery dissection with aid of MNIO and origin from intermediate nerve is a reality.