Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.  2012 Jun;55(6):386-389. 10.3342/kjorl-hns.2012.55.6.386.

A Case of Vestibular Paroxysmia Offended by Vertebral Artery

• Yu BJ
• Hwang SH
• Yoo DJ
• Seo JH

• KMID: 2277366
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3342/kjorl-hns.2012.55.6.386

Abstract

Vestibular paroxysmia, which is caused by neurovascular cross-compression of the eighth cranial nerve, is characterized by recurrent vertiginous spells and other audiologic symptoms such as tinnitus, aural fullness and hearing impairment. Magnetic resonance image may show the eighth cranial nerve compression by vessels in the posterior fossa such as the anterior-inferior cerebellar, posterior-inferior cerebellar, basilar, or vertebral arteries. Medical therapy including carbamazepine, phenytoin or gabapentin and microvascular decompression of the eighth cranial nerve can be contemplated. Here, we report of a 51 year-old man who presented with recurrent vertigo attacks and tinnitus. His symptoms were aggravated by positional change. Videonystagmography and auditory brainstem response showed abnormal results. Magnetic resonance image showed the eighth cranial nerve compression caused by the vascular loop. The offending vessel was revealed as vertebral artery. He was treated with carbamazepine and showed no recurrent symptoms. We report this rare case with a review of the relevant literatures.

Keyword

Vertigo; Nerve compression syndrome; Vertebral artery

MeSH Terms

Amines
Carbamazepine
Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids
Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem
gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
Glycosaminoglycans
Hearing Loss
Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Microvascular Decompression Surgery
Nerve Compression Syndromes
Phenytoin
Tinnitus
Vertebral Artery
Vertigo
Vestibulocochlear Nerve
Amines
Carbamazepine
Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids
Glycosaminoglycans
Phenytoin
gamma-Aminobutyric Acid