Res Vestib Sci.  2009 Dec;8(2):137-141.

A Case of Neurovascular Cross-compression of the Eighth Cranial Nerve Representing Longstanding Uncompensated Vestibular Hypofunction

• Lee JK
• Chu HS
• Ko MH
• Chung WH

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.

Keyword

Vertigo; Vestibular neuropathy; Nerve compression syndromes

MeSH Terms

Caloric Tests
Carbamazepine
Headache
Humans
Male
Nerve Compression Syndromes
Paresis
Tinnitus
Vertigo
Vestibular Function Tests
Vestibular Neuronitis
Vestibulocochlear Nerve
Carbamazepine