Cochlear implantation after selective vestibular nerve section.

INTRODUCTION

Vestibular nerve section is a highly effective procedure for the control of vertigo in patients with Ménière's disease. However, hearing loss is a possible complication. If hearing loss occurs after vestibular nerve section, magnetic resonance imaging should make it possible to establish the presence or absence of an intact cochlear nerve.

METHOD: Case report and review of the world literature concerning cochlear implantation after vestibular nerve section.

CASE REPORT: We present a patient who developed subtotal hearing loss after vestibular nerve section. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to verify the presence of an intact cochlear nerve, enabling successful cochlear implantation.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of cochlear implantation carried out after selective vestibular nerve section. Given recent advances in cochlear implantation, this case indicates that it is essential to make every effort to spare the cochlear nerve if vestibular nerve section is required. If hearing loss occurs after vestibular nerve section, magnetic resonance imaging should be undertaken to establish whether the cochlear nerve is intact.