Normal and pathological findings for the facial nerve on magnetic resonance imaging

AimTo demonstrate the enhanced radiological anatomy and common pathological conditions of the facial nerve by using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).Materials and methodsA retrospective review of the MRI findings of the facial nerve of 146 patients who visited a tertiary academic referral center was conducted.ResultsThe radiological anatomy of the facial nerve was well illustrated using MRI, as were most of the common pathological conditions of the facial nerve.ConclusionsEnhancement of the facial nerve in MRI should be correlated with the clinical data. Normal individuals can show enhancement of the tympanic or vertical segments of the facial nerve. Enhancement of the labyrinthine portion of the nerve is almost diagnostic of Bell’s palsy. No specific enhancement patterns were observed for tumours or for infections of the middle or external ear. A larger population study is required for the accurate assessment of facial nerve enhancement in multiple sclerosis patients.