At SHIFAA PAN African Hospital, we offer vestibular nerve section surgery as a treatment option for individuals suffering from severe, debilitating vertigo that does not respond to other conservative treatments. Our expert team of otolaryngologists specializes in performing vestibular nerve section surgeries with precision and skill to help patients find relief from chronic vertigo and regain their quality of life.

Procedure Overview:

• Vestibular nerve section, also known as vestibular neurectomy, is a surgical procedure aimed at interrupting the vestibular nerve responsible for transmitting balance signals from the inner ear to the brain. By selectively cutting or removing the vestibular nerve, the brain’s ability to perceive and respond to balance information is altered, effectively reducing or eliminating vertigo symptoms.
• The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia and may involve either a traditional open surgical approach or a minimally invasive endoscopic technique, depending on the patient’s specific condition and surgical preferences.

Indications for Vestibular Nerve Section:

• Vestibular nerve section may be recommended for individuals with severe, recurrent vertigo that significantly impacts their daily functioning and quality of life, despite conservative management with medications, vestibular rehabilitation therapy, and lifestyle modifications.
• Common indications for vestibular nerve section include intractable Meniere’s disease, vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma) with debilitating vertigo, and other vestibular disorders refractory to medical treatment.

Benefits of Vestibular Nerve Section:

• Vestibular nerve section offers several potential benefits for patients suffering from chronic vertigo, including a significant reduction or elimination of vertigo attacks, improved balance and stability, decreased risk of falls and injuries, and enhanced overall quality of life.
• By selectively disrupting the vestibular input responsible for vertigo symptoms, vestibular nerve section allows patients to regain control over their balance and reduce the frequency and severity of vertigo episodes, enabling them to participate more fully in daily activities and enjoy a higher level of independence.

Procedure and Recovery:

• During vestibular nerve section surgery, the otolaryngologist identifies and exposes the vestibular nerve through a carefully planned surgical approach. Depending on the technique used, the nerve may be cut, ligated, or removed entirely to disrupt its function.
• Following surgery, patients typically experience some degree of imbalance and disequilibrium as their brain adjusts to the altered vestibular input. However, most patients are able to resume normal activities within a few weeks and experience a gradual improvement in their symptoms over time.
• Post-operative care may include medications to manage pain and discomfort, vestibular rehabilitation therapy to promote balance and coordination, and regular follow-up appointments to monitor progress and address any concerns.

 

What is vestibular nerve section surgery, and who is a candidate for this procedure?

Vestibular nerve section, also known as vestibular neurectomy, is a surgical procedure aimed at interrupting the vestibular nerve responsible for transmitting balance signals from the inner ear to the brain. It is typically recommended for individuals with severe, recurrent vertigo that significantly impacts their daily functioning and quality of life, despite conservative management with medications and other treatments.

 

How does vestibular nerve section help alleviate vertigo symptoms?

By selectively cutting or removing the vestibular nerve, vestibular nerve section disrupts the brain’s ability to perceive and respond to balance signals from the affected inner ear, effectively reducing or eliminating vertigo symptoms. This allows patients to regain control over their balance and experience fewer and less severe vertigo attacks.

 

What conditions may benefit from vestibular nerve section surgery?

Vestibular nerve section may be indicated for various vestibular disorders that cause debilitating vertigo, including Meniere’s disease, vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma), and other vestibular disorders refractory to medical treatment. It is typically considered when conservative treatments have failed to provide adequate relief.

 

What are the potential risks and complications of vestibular nerve section surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, vestibular nerve section carries potential risks and complications, including temporary or permanent hearing loss, imbalance, facial weakness or numbness, cerebrospinal fluid leak, and infection. However, these risks are generally low, and most patients experience significant improvement in their symptoms following surgery.

 

What is the recovery process like after vestibular nerve section surgery?

Following vestibular nerve section surgery, patients may experience some degree of imbalance and disequilibrium as their brain adjusts to the altered vestibular input. However, most patients are able to resume normal activities within a few weeks and experience a gradual improvement in their symptoms over time. Post-operative care may include medications, vestibular rehabilitation therapy, and regular follow-up appointments.

 

Is vestibular nerve section surgery covered by insurance?

Many health insurance plans cover vestibular nerve section surgery for eligible patients, especially when deemed medically necessary. Patients can inquire with their insurance provider about coverage details and seek referrals from their primary care physician or otolaryngologist to access vestibular nerve section services at SHIFAA PAN African Hospital.

 

How can patients schedule a consultation for vestibular nerve section surgery?

Patients interested in learning more about vestibular nerve section surgery and determining whether they are candidates for the procedure can schedule a consultation with our experienced team of otolaryngologists at SHIFAA PAN African Hospital. During the consultation, patients will undergo a thorough evaluation to assess their condition, discuss treatment options, and receive personalized recommendations tailored to their individual needs.

At SHIFAA PAN African Hospital, we are committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive care for patients with hearing loss through state-of-the-art cochlear implantation services. If you or a loved one is experiencing severe to profound hearing loss and would like to learn more about cochlear implantation, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our experienced team to explore treatment options and determine the best course of action for your individual needs.