A Case of Neurovascular Cross-compression of the Eighth Cranial Nerve Representing Longstanding Uncompensated Vestibular Hypofunction
- Author:
Jae Kwon LEE
1
;
Ho Suk CHU
;
Moon Hee KO
;
Won Ho CHUNG
Author Information
1. Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. whchung@skku.edu
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Vertigo;
Vestibular neuropathy;
Nerve compression syndromes
- MeSH:
Caloric Tests;
Carbamazepine;
Headache;
Humans;
Male;
Nerve Compression Syndromes;
Paresis;
Tinnitus;
Vertigo;
Vestibular Function Tests;
Vestibular Neuronitis;
Vestibulocochlear Nerve
- From:Journal of the Korean Balance Society
2009;8(2):137-141
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
The neurovascular cross-compression (NVCC) of the eighth cranial nerve (CN) is a clinical entity with symptoms of recurrent vertigo or tinnitus. Although the diagnostic criteria have been defined, the precise clinical presentation and pathomechanism have not been clarified. The treatment response to the carbamazepine; drug of choice for first line medical treatment, has been considered as one of the diagnostic criteria. Herein, we present a case of chronic uncompensated unilateral vestibular hypofunction who responded dramatically to carbamazepine medication. A 55 year-old male admitted to the hospital with symptoms of recurrent oscillopsia and headache for more than 7 years. His symptoms were aggravated by positional changes. Vestibular function tests showed spontaneous nystagmus, canal paresis on caloric test and vestibular dysfunction on dynamic posturography, which represented unilateral uncompensated vestibular hypofunction. Although his symptom was not relived by vestibular rehabilitation, he was treated with carbamazepine. A long standing uncompensated unilateral vestibular hypofunction without any auditory symptoms could be one of the clinical presentations in NVCC of the eighth CN.
