[Vestibular results before and after neurectomy of the vestibular nerve in cases of vertigo resistant to medical treatment (author's transl)]

Laryngol Rhinol Otol (Stuttg). 1979 May;58(5):443-62.
[Article in German]

Abstract

25 patients suffering from vertigo due to peripheral-vestibular disorders resistant to medical treatment underwent neurectomy of the vestibular nerve. Präoperatively 24 showed a pathological result in the neurotological examination. In 83% of the cases an abnormal caloric reaction could be seen in the frequency-calorigram, which graphically represents the caloric test. The postoperative objective vestibular results always correlated with the subjective feeling of vertigo. We could see a decrease and finally a disappearance of the horizontal unidirectional spontaneous nystagmus. It is of value to examine the gaze nystagmus in none directions of gaze. In the positiogram, a quantitative scheme of the positional test, one could recongize a decrease of the nystagmus intensity in the follow-up examination. The same was found by testing the vestibulo-spinal reactions. Although the neurectomy of the vestibular nerve involves a serious operation it is nevertheless the first choice of treatment. 96% of the cases are free from vertigo. Postoperative there is a very low complication quota.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Audiometry
  • Drug Resistance
  • Germany, West
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Methods
  • Nystagmus, Pathologic / therapy
  • Postoperative Complications / epidemiology
  • Vertigo / drug therapy
  • Vertigo / therapy*
  • Vestibular Nerve / surgery*