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Delayed quick spins after vestibular nerve section respond to anticonvulsant therapy
1Department of Neurology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611-3008, USA.
Objective:
To describe the clinical features of patients with failed vestibular nerve section that have a response to anticonvulsant medication.
Study Design:
Retrospective case review.
Setting:
Ambulatory tertiary referral center.
Patients:
We report three patients who were afflicted with frequent brief spinning spells, or "quick spins," after vestibular neurectomy for Meniere's disease.
Intervention:
Treatment with anticonvulsants.
Main Outcome Measure:
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.
Conclusion:
Treatment of neuralgia should be considered when the symptom of quick spins arises after vestibular neurectomy.