Neurostimulation as a new treatment for severe tinnitus: a pilot study.
BACKGROUND
Tinnitus is an uncomfortable symptom for the patient and an embarrassing one for the consulted physician. So far, there is no treatment that can be considered well established in terms of providing long-term reduction of tinnitus in excess of placebo effects. There is considerable evidence of pathophysiological similarity between tinnitus and chronic pain. Some forms of chronic pain can be treated by neurostimulation.


OBJECTIVE
This study was designed to investigate the feasibility of neurostimulation of the cochlear nerve in order to reduce tinnitus.


METHODS
Pilot study.


METHODS
Tertiary referral center.


METHODS
Five patients with therapeutically refractory tinnitus were selected for this study.


METHODS
Placing a stimulation lead around the cochlear nerve through the suboccipital approach and connecting the stimulation lead to a pulse generator.


METHODS
The patients experienced 1) an absence of major or minor complications, such as death, meningitis, cranial nerve deficit, and vestibular problems; 2) tolerance of the procedure as considered by the patient; 3) relief of tinnitus in at least one patient.


RESULTS
Implantation of the neurostimulation system was accomplished in each patient without any difficulty. None of the patients considered the treatment unbearable. No major or minor complications occurred in this study. Subjective tinnitus reduction was accomplished in four patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Our preliminary data show that neurostimulation of the cochlear nerve is feasible, is bearable for the patient, and is a safe treatment modality without major complications. The effects on tinnitus are promising.
Holm
A F
AF
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital, Groningen, The Netherlands.
Staal
M J
MJ
Mooij
J J A
JJ
Albers
F W J
FW
D000368:Aged; D003056:Cochlear Nerve / Q000503:physiopathology; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014012:Tinnitus / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome