Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.  2014 Aug;57(8):518-525. 10.3342/kjorl-hns.2014.57.8.518.

Neurovascular Compression Syndrome of the Eighth Cranial Nerve: Clinical Features and Medical Treatment

• Kim DH
• Kim HJ
• Hong SK
• Lee HJ

• KMID: 1716011
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3342/kjorl-hns.2014.57.8.518

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Neurovascular compression syndrome of the eighth cranial nerve is characterized by recurrent auditory and vestibular symptoms. A detailed history and laboratory findings are important in the differential diagnosis of other diseases, such as Meniere's disease, vestibular neuritis, or vestibular migraine. This study reviewed its clinical features and the efficacy of medical treatment.
SUBJECTS AND METHOD
The medical records of seven patients with a diagnosis of neurovascular compression syndrome of the eighth cranial nerve were reviewed retrospectively.
RESULTS
Their ages at the time of disease onset ranged from 30 to 67 years. Six of the patients had unilateral typewriter tinnitus, like Morse code, and five had vertigo. The duration of these symptoms was up to 20 seconds. Three of the five patients with vertigo had canal paresis. All patients responded completely to carbamazepine or oxcarbazepine.
CONCLUSION
Medical treatment was very successful for treating the symptoms of neurovascular compression syndrome of the eighth cranial nerve. The characteristics of the audiovestibular symptom and laboratory results are important for differentiating other diseases.

Keyword

Anticonvulsants; Nerve compression syndromes; Tinnitus; Vertigo

MeSH Terms

Anticonvulsants
Carbamazepine
Diagnosis
Diagnosis, Differential
Humans
Medical Records
Meniere Disease
Migraine Disorders
Nerve Compression Syndromes
Paresis
Retrospective Studies
Tinnitus
Vertigo
Vestibular Neuronitis
Vestibulocochlear Nerve*
Anticonvulsants
Carbamazepine