[Progressive facial palsy. 2 recent cases].

Following 2 recent observations of progressive facial paralysis, the authors discuss the diagnostic problems encountered and the compressive etiology observed frequently. Extrinsic nerve damage calls for rapid care but should not cause the existence of neurinomas of the 7th nerve, more frequent than suspected, to be overlooked. Facial paralysis is the most frequent inaugural symptom, however the neurinomas of the 7th nerve may be preceeded by a pure cochleovestibular syndrome or a tumoral syndrome of the middle ear. They can appear at any place on the nerve, however the tympanomastoidal locations are most frequent. The approach of these tumors depends on their position, size and the patient's hearing. Nerve rehabilitation can be obtained using modern derouting techniques, grafts of sometimes hypoglossalfacial anastomosis.