Vestibular nerve section.
BACKGROUND
Vestibular nerve section is considered to be the most effective surgical procedure for control of intractable symptoms secondary to labyrinthine and eighth nerve function. This study was developed to retrospectively evaluate the efficacy of vestibular nerve section in patients treated for disabling labyrinthine dysfunction.


METHODS
A retrospective review of hospital and office records was carried out on 39 patients who underwent vestibular nerve section. All patients received a comprehensive questionnaire to subjectively evaluate efficacy.


RESULTS
Questionnaires were returned from 36 of 39 patients. Follow-up averaged 51 months. A decrease in vertiginous attacks was reported by 94% of patients. An improvement in activity tolerance was reported by 30% of patients. Preoperative tinnitus and ear fullness reportedly improved after surgery in 53% and 65% or patients respectively. Complications encountered included cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak (six patients), meningitis (two patients), and intracranial fluid collection (one patient).


CONCLUSIONS
Vestibular nerve section is a relatively safe and effective method of treatment for intractable vertigo.
Department of Otolaryngology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA.
M J
MJ
Fucci
R T
RT
Sataloff
D L
DL
Myers
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D002558:Cerebrospinal Fluid Otorrhea / Q000209:etiology; D004244:Dizziness / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006309:Hearing; D006311:Hearing Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007759:Labyrinth Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008575:Meniere Disease / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014012:Tinnitus / Q000209:etiology; D014717:Vertigo / Q000601:surgery; D015837:Vestibular Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D014725:Vestibular Nerve / Q000601:surgery*; D000160:Vestibulocochlear Nerve Diseases / Q000601:surgery