Microsurgical treatment of patients with vestibular and cochlear symptoms

Eighteen patients with vertigo, tinnitus, and various hearing disturbances were treated by posterior fossa exploration and microvascular decompression of the eighth cranial nerve; they were followed for more than 3 years. After successful decompression of the eighth nerve from offending vessels, the attacks of vertigo disappeared in 11 patients, improved markedly in 3 patients, and improved mildly in 4 patients. The tinnitus vanished in three patients and decreased in nine. The hearing disturbance improved in only five patients and worsened in three. Because of the satisfactory improvement of the attacks of vertigo, which are the most distressing symptoms for patients, we recommend surgical exploration for patients with severe symptoms of vestibular disturbances.