Surgical treatment of vertigo in cochlear implantees by electrode resealing

Our present findings demonstrate that resealing to cover the electrode is an effective method to treat vertigo after CI. An insufficient cochleostomy sealing can be regarded as a cause of postoperatively newly occuring vertigo after CI. A transtympanic revision is a promising treatment option in cases of post-operative dizziness. Intoduction: A well-known and frequently reported complication after cochlear implantation is the appearance of postoperative vertigo symptoms. The aim of the present study was to observe if the postoperatively new occurrence of vertigo can be treated by resealing of the round window patch after cochlear implantation.

A retrospective analysis revealed that 10 patients underwent revision surgery transtympanally. Vertigo was assessed preoperatively and directly postoperatively and after 6 month after revision surgery by using the Dizziness Handycap Inventory (DHI).

The most common symptom was rotating vertigo. A spontanous nystagmus was seen in four cases. No nystagmus was found after the revision surgery. In three cases, the onset of dizziness was associated with an event (sneezing, otitis media, climbing a mountain). A preoperative CT showed insuspectible results in seven patients but revealed pathologies two patients. Vertigo was improved significantly in six patients, and three of them were symptom-free.