Delayed quick spins after vestibular nerve section respond to anticonvulsant therapy.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the clinical features of patients with failed vestibular nerve section that have a response to anticonvulsant medication.


METHODS
Retrospective case review.


METHODS
Ambulatory tertiary referral center.


METHODS
We report three patients who were afflicted with frequent brief spinning spells, or "quick spins," after vestibular neurectomy for Meniere's disease.


METHODS
Treatment with anticonvulsants.


METHODS
Relief of vertigo.


RESULTS
All cases had an excellent therapeutic response to carbamazepine or oxcarbazepine, agents conventionally used for neuralgia, suggesting that these symptoms are caused by a hyperexcitable vestibular nerve.


CONCLUSIONS
Treatment of neuralgia should be considered when the symptom of quick spins arises after vestibular neurectomy.
Moon
In Soo
IS
Department of Neurology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611-3008, USA.
Hain
Timothy C
TC
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001301:Audiometry, Pure-Tone; D001309:Auditory Threshold / Q000502:physiology; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D004584:Electronystagmography; D005260:Female; D007839:Functional Laterality / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008575:Meniere Disease / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009412:Nerve Fibers / Q000502:physiology; D009416:Nerve Regeneration / Q000502:physiology; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology; D012008:Recurrence; D012086:Reoperation; D017211:Treatment Failure; D014717:Vertigo / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D014725:Vestibular Nerve / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*