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Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery

Facial Nerve Schwannoma Center

The Facial Nerve Schwannoma Center offers a comprehensive multi-specialty approach and expertise in the management and treatment of facial nerve schwannomas.

These rare benign tumors originating from the facial nerve can have a variety of symptoms, including facial spasms, paralysis or palsy and hearing loss. They can often be confused with other tumors such as vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma) or meningioma because of their location, or conditions such as Bell’s palsy because of their effect on facial movement. Our team understands the importance of maintaining (or improving) facial function, hearing, and balance when addressing facial nerve schwannomas.

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Meet Our Facial Nerve Schwannoma Specialists

Our experts are highly experienced in all surgical approaches to the skull base to allow safe removal of tumors preserving other important functions such as hearing and balance.

Our Services and Care Approach

Each person with a facial nerve schwannoma can experience different symptoms due to where and how fast the tumor grows, and other factors. Our team will work closely with you to develop a customized plan to control the tumor while preserving facial functions, hearing and balance. The treatment plan could start with observation or require prompt tumor removal because of its impact on hearing and facial movement. We also consider the timing of the treatments to maximize long-term outcomes.

Our experts have access to the full range of facial schwannoma management techniques, including:
  • Decompression or excision of tumor via microsurgery
  • Facial reanimation for facial paralysis
  • Facial nerve testing
  • Intraoperative hearing monitoring
  • Nerve grafting procedures
  • Observation
  • Optimization of hearing function
  • Prophylactic treatment to prevent deterioration of facial function
  • Radiosurgery
  • Skull base imaging

Why Choose Johns Hopkins Facial Nerve Schwannoma Center

Multi-specialty Care

Specialists in neurotology, facial plastics and reconstructive surgery, neurology, oncology and rehabilitation provide well-rounded care for patients with facial nerve schwannomas.
Highly Trained Specialist

Preservation of Hearing and Facial Function

Our experts aim to help you preserve hearing and facial function while removing or treating the tumor. 

Expertise in Complex Cases

We work in partnership with the Facial Nerve Center and the Division of Otology and Neurotology to address facial paralysis and hearing loss resulting from these tumors.

Care Locations

Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center

4940 Eastern Ave
Baltimore, MD 21224


Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center exterior, front view.

Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center — Green Spring Station, Lutherville (Pavilion III)

10803 Falls Rd
Pavilion III
Lutherville, MD 21093



Exterior view of Pavilion III with parking directly in front.

Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center — White Marsh

4924 Campbell Blvd
Nottingham, MD 21236


Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center, White Marsh

Levi Watkins, Jr, MD, Outpatient Center

601 N. Caroline St
Baltimore, MD 21287


Levi Watkins, Jr., M.D., Outpatient Center

What to Expect at Your Appointment

  • During your first visit, we will discuss your medical history and health concerns. Please bring all available medical records related to your condition when you arrive for your appointment.
  • After the consultation, your doctor may request additional testing to diagnose and treat your condition, which may include CT scan and/or MRI.
  • Our doctors may consult with or refer you to other Johns Hopkins specialists, such as neurologists, physical therapists or oncologists to offer a personalized and comprehensive treatment plan. 

female doctor talking to patient