Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 15, 2025
19:53
Single-stage Dynamic Reanimation of the Smile in Irreversible Facial Paralysis by Free Functional Muscle Transfer
Published on: March 1, 2015
106.1K
Is the cochleovestibular nerve function affected in patients with hemifacial spasm?
Seong Hoon Bae1, Yutae Jeon2, Chang Ki Hong3
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Acta Neurologica Belgica
|March 1, 2021
Summary
Vascular compression causing hemifacial spasm (HFS) rarely affects nearby cochleovestibular nerve function. Studies show no significant hearing or balance issues in HFS patients despite nerve angulation.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Hemifacial spasm (HFS) is a motor disorder resulting from vascular compression of the facial nerve.
- The cochleovestibular nerve, located near the facial nerve, can also be affected by vascular compression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate cochleovestibular nerve function in patients with hemifacial spasm.
- To determine if vascular compression causing HFS impacts adjacent cochleovestibular nerve function.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 49 surgically confirmed HFS patients.
- Analysis of pure-tone threshold, auditory brainstem response (ABR), video head impulse test (vHIT), and MRI.
- Paired comparison of HFS and unaffected sides.
Main Results:
- The anterior inferior cerebellar artery was the most common cause of HFS (69.4%).
- No significant differences were found in hearing (pure-tone threshold), ABR, or vHIT between sides.
- Nerve angulation by the offending vessel was more frequent on the HFS side (p=0.040).
Conclusions:
- Vascular compression causing HFS has a limited effect on cochleovestibular nerve function.
- Cochleovestibular nerve compression syndrome was not evident in HFS patients.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Cranial Nerves: Types Part II
3.7K
Cranial nerves are responsible for transmitting motor and sensory information between the brain and various parts of the body. There are twelve pairs of cranial nerves. While the first six innervate the head and neck, the latter six nerves innervate the head and neck, as well as organs and tissues in the thoracic and abdominal cavities. They facilitate communication, expression, and autonomic control within the human body.
Facial Nerve (Cranial Nerve VII)
Cranial nerve VII, or the facial nerve,...
Facial Nerve (Cranial Nerve VII)
Cranial nerve VII, or the facial nerve,...
3.7K
01:14Cranial Nerves: Types Part I
3.9K
Cranial nerves are responsible for transmitting motor and sensory information between the brain and various parts of the body. There are twelve pairs of cranial nerves, with the first six being essential in sensory perception, motor control, and autonomic functions related to the head and neck.
Olfactory Nerve (Cranial Nerve I)
The olfactory nerve, or cranial nerve I, is unique as it is purely sensory and dedicated to the sense of smell. This nerve originates in the olfactory epithelium of the...
Olfactory Nerve (Cranial Nerve I)
The olfactory nerve, or cranial nerve I, is unique as it is purely sensory and dedicated to the sense of smell. This nerve originates in the olfactory epithelium of the...
3.9K
01:29The Vestibular System
42.4K
The vestibular system is a set of inner ear structures that provide a sense of balance and spatial orientation. This system is comprised of structures within the labyrinth of the inner ear, including the cochlea and two otolith organs—the utricle and saccule. The labyrinth also contains three semicircular canals—superior, posterior, and horizontal—that are oriented on different planes.
42.4K
01:18Cranial Part of Parasympathetic Division
1.5K
The cranial part of the parasympathetic division plays a crucial role in regulating the visceral functions of the head and specific structures in the neck, thoracic, and abdominopelvic cavities. Preganglionic fibers of the parasympathetic division exit the brain through cranial nerves III (oculomotor), VII (facial), IX (glossopharyngeal), and X (vagus), delivering parasympathetic output to the respective visceral structures.
The vagus nerve (cranial nerve X) alone accounts for approximately 75...
The vagus nerve (cranial nerve X) alone accounts for approximately 75...
1.5K
01:19Cranial Nerves: Overview and Anatomy
3.6K
The cranial nerves are an important part of the complex network of nerves in the human body. These nerves emerge directly from the brain and are responsible for transmitting essential information between the brain and various parts of the head and neck. There are 12 pairs of cranial nerves, systematically numbered using Roman numerals from I to XII, beginning from the anterior and moving to the posterior of the brain. Each cranial nerve is uniquely identified by names that reflect its function...
3.6K
01:16Vascular Spasm
2.7K
The vascular phase, also known as vasospasm, is the initial stage of hemostasis, crucial for preventing excessive bleeding when a blood vessel is injured. After a vessel is cut, nerves in the damaged area trigger pain and other sensory impulses. Simultaneously, the smooth muscles in the vessel wall contract, resulting in a vascular spasm. This contraction reduces the vessel's diameter at the injury site, slowing or stopping blood loss through the vessel wall. Vascular spasms typically last...
2.7K