[Vestibular nerve section in the treatment of morbus Ménière]

Vestibular nerve section in the treatment of Mb. Ménière was introduced in Denmark in 1980. This treatment is centralised at Gentofte Hospital and we have previously published the results from 1980-1996. We here present the updated results from 2000-2007 with a total of 18 patients.

Systematic review of case journals and questionnaires regarding postoperative satisfaction, vertigo control and influence on daily activities.

All patients achieved total vertigo spell control. In total 15 patients (83%) indicated satisfaction with the operation. Sixteen patients (89%) reported that vertigo had no, mild, or moderate influence on their daily activities. The difference between pre- and postoperative functional level was highly significant. Expected consequences of unilateral ablation in the form of imbalanced gait or lingering sensation of dizziness occurred to varying degrees in 14 patients (78%).

Two patients developed postoperative liquorrhoea and one patient partial facial palsy.

The results demonstrate that vestibular nerve section causes vertigo spell control and improved daily functional levels in patients with severe and otherwise untreatable Mb. Ménière. These results are in accordance with international publications. New prospects in vestibular rehabilitation promise significant reductions of the postoperative imbalance. Continued centralisation of the surgical intervention is recommended, as is providing patients with information of the positive results of this treatment.