This volume is an attempt by two experienced and knowledgeable clinicians to gather and update information, scattered throughout the textbooks and journals of many specialties, on the facial nerve. Practically every pathological process ever reported to cause a facial spasm or paralysis receives at least brief consideration, with more space given to review of problems that are either common or particularly illustrative. There is little new information in the book and, for the reader acquainted with the literature on the facial nerve, few particularly illuminating insights. The authors have accomplished an extensive, complete, up-to-date literature review, and present in a concentrated form a large fund of knowledge. Yet one hopes for, but seldom finds, statements of personal preference, revealing if anecdotal insights, for solid perspective gained through extensive experience. There are seven chapters in the book. The first deals with anatomy and physiology of the facial nerve. Diagrams of anatomic