Modified hypoglossal-facial nerve anastomosis for peripheral-type facial palsy caused by pontine infarction: A case report and literature review

BACKGROUND: Peripheral-type facial palsy could be caused by a lesion in the tegmentum of the pons, such as infarction, with a rare occurrence. We herein described a case of unilateral peripheral-type facial palsy induced by dorsolateral pontine infarction and treated this patient using modified hypoglossal-facial nerve anastomosis. CASE PRESENTATION: A 60-year-old female presented with dizziness, hearing drop, diplopia, and peripheral-type facial palsy. Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging showed a dorsolateral pontine infarction on the right side which exactly refers to the location of the ipsilateral facial nucleus or facial nerve fascicles at the pons. Subsequent electrophysiological examinations confirmed poor facial nerve function of this patient and modified hypoglossal-facial nerve anastomosis was then performed. CONCLUSIONS: This case reminded medical practitioners not to ignore the possibility of involvement of a central cause in peripheral-type facial palsy patients. In addition, modified hypoglossal-facial nerve anastomosis served as a useful skill improvement that may help reduce hemiglossal dysfunction while restoring facial muscle function.