Abstract: Schwannomas of the vagus nerve (SVN) and schwannomas of the cervical sympathetic nerve (SSN) are the two most common schwannomas in the carotid space. Because schwannomas are asymptomatic, moreover, the vagus nerve and the cervical sympathetic nerve have adjacent anatomical location, it is difficult to differentiate SVN or SSN. In addition, the current surgical treatment of schwannomas still remains controversial. This article summarized the studies on SVN and SSN, and meanwhile discussed the advances in the diagnosis and management of the disease.

Key words: Schwannomas, Carotid space, Vague nerve, Cervical sympathetic nerve