Vestibular nerve section in patients with chronic otitis media
McElveen, J.T.; Brackmann, D.E.; Hitselberger, W.E.
American Journal of Otology 8(6): 511-515
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0192-9763 PMID: 3434614 Document Number: 294182
Retrolabyrinthine vestibular neurectomy preserves hearing and relieves intractable vertigo emanating from the inner ear. However, this approach must be modified in patients with prior "canal-wall-down" procedures. Traversing an exteriorized mastoid cavity risks bacterial contamination of the subarachnoid space. Three patients seen at the Otologic Medical Group with prior canal-wall-down procedures required vestibular neurectomy for persistent vertigo. Using the retrosigmoid approach, the vestibular nerve was sectioned without sacrificing hearing and without traversing a potentially infected mastoid cavity. It is recommended that this approach be considered in patients with intractable vertigo, serviceable hearing, and exteriorized mastoid cavities.