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[Postoperative facial and vestibular nerve palsy: experimental study of its pathophysiological mechanisms].

The 7th and 8th cranial nerves were shifted in the cerebellopontine (CP) angle of dogs by cerebellar retractions that were similar to those performed in humans with monitoring of auditory evoked brainstem responses (ABR). Postoperatively, the vestibular, facial nerves, and brainstem were histologically examined. Caudal-to-rostral shifts of the nerves could induce vestibular and/or facial nerve damages. The most vulnerable portion of the vestibular nerve was located between the vestibular ganglions and the area vestibularis-the most lateral end of the internal auditory canal. This indicated that due to traction force derived from surgical interventions, the nerves and vessels were avulsed at the fundus of the internal auditory canal. The vestibular nerve may be potentially injured more easily and frequently than the cochlear and facial nerves in retromastoid craniectomies with lateral decubitus position in humans. Direct injuries of the facial nerves in the CP angles were not observed in this study. It was elucidated that the facial nerve was usually injured in the facial canal proximal to the geniculate ganglion due to traction force derived from manipulations in the CP angle. It is likely that as facial nerve edema progresses postoperatively, the facial nerve is gradually compressed within the narrow labyrinthine portion of the facial canal. This may be the cause of delayed postoperative facial nerve palsy. The importance to recognize how not only cochlear but also vestibular and facial nerve are injured by the usual manipulations in the CP angle is stressed.

Animals↗

Transient evoked otoacoustic emissions after vestibular nerve section in chinchillas.

Transient evoked otoacoustic emissions are believed to be sensitive to the effects of the cochlear efferent system. The most well-known function of this system is inhibitory on cochlear response. It has been demonstrated that crossed medial efferent system section produces inhibitory control of the outer hair cells mechanisms responsible for non-linear transient evoked otoacoustic emissions generation. However, we suppose that the uncrossed medial efferent system plays a role in outer hair cell function too. We recorded the non-linear part of transient evoked otoacoustic emissions in 17 chinchillas before and after section of the vestibular nerve (crossed and uncrossed fibers). Responses at frequencies bands centered on 0.8, 1.6, 2.4, 3.2 and 4.0 kHz, as well as total emission responses, were analyzed. After vestibular nerve section, there were significant increases in the amplitudes of the 2.4- and 4.0 kHz responses and of the total response. These results indicate that the medial efferent system is important to maintain normal cochlear mechanics. Uncrossed medial efferent system and lateral efferent system seem to be not important in maintaining normal cochlear mechanics.

Acoustic Stimulation↗

Effects of transforming growth factor-beta1 and basic fibroblast growth factor on proliferation of cell cultures derived from human vestibular nerve schwannoma.

The influence of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on growth of cell cultures derived from unilateral vestibular nerve schwannomas was investigated. Cell cultures were initiated from 9 schwannomas and characterized immunocytochemically with antibodies against S-100 and type IV collagen. The effects of TGF-beta1 and bFGF on DNA synthesis in chemically defined serum-free medium were assessed by measuring the incorporation of 5-bromo-2'-deoxy-uridine (BRDU) into cellular DNA. Cell proliferation was evaluated with an electronic cell counter. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed using oligonucleotide primers specific for TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2. TGF-beta1 stimulated DNA synthesis in a dose dependent manner. Maximal stimulation was observed at a concentration of 1 ng/ml, which induced a nearly 2-fold increase in DNA content. This effect was not seen when TGF-beta1 was added in the presence of neutralizing antibodies. In addition, antibodies against TGF-beta1 significantly reduced DNA synthesis in control cultures without supplemented exogenous growth factors. bFGF alone had no significant effects on DNA synthesis. In contrast, when TGF-beta1 and bFGF were added together, the mitogenic response was much greater than produced by TGF-beta1 alone. RT-PCR showed that the cultured cells expressed mRNA for both TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2. We hypothesize that TGF-beta1 is an autocrine growth factor for human vestibular nerve schwannomas in culture. A similar mechanism might be involved in the growth of these tumors in situ.

Adult↗

Clinical assessment of postural stability following vestibular nerve section.

Little is known about the recovery of postural control in patients following acute vestibular loss. This paper reports on the results of moving-platform posturography to assess the recovery of postural stability in 24 patients following vestibular nerve section. Posturography was abnormal prior to surgery in 17% of the patients. Seven days following surgery, 44% of the patients demonstrated vestibular deficit patterns, while 56% of the patients had normal posturography. Posturography was normal in all patients 1 month following surgery. Abnormal posturography was subsequently noted in 21% of the patients between 3 and 20 months following surgery. Each of the patients with abnormal preoperative posturography subsequently demonstrated abnormal late postoperative posturography. These results suggest that perioperative posturography may be useful in the evaluation and counseling of patients considering ablative vestibular surgery.

Adult↗

Recovery from unilateral vestibular nerve section in human subjects evaluated by physiological, psychological and questionnaire assessments.

Patients undergoing vestibular nerve section for vertigo or acoustic neuroma surgery were compared pre- and post-operatively and during long-term follow-up using a range of tests including: nystagmography, impulsive rotational testing of the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR), ability to estimate and reproduce imposed rotational displacements, validated questionnaires rating vertigo, imbalance, autonomic reactivity and somatisation, and clinical and self-assessment scales of overall outcome in terms of symptoms and disability. Correlations were found between rating scale assessments, questionnaire scores and estimates of self-rotation. Neither nystagmography nor VOR tests correlated with the presence or severity of vertigo or imbalance. Post-operatively, vertigo patients reported that they had received significant relief, although they had higher incidences of residual complaints of imbalance and vertigo than patients after acoustic neuroma surgery. Factors impeding rehabilitation in patients with vertigo are discussed.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Middle fossa vestibular nerve section. A histopathological report.

A patient with Meniere's disease underwent a middle fossa superior and inferior vestibular nerve section with excision of Scarpa's ganglia. Studies of this patient's temporal bone, conducted two and one-half years post-operatively, showed normal cochlear and facial nerves. The internal auditory canal showed fibrosis and new periosteal bone formation. There was complete denervation of the vestibular labyrinth except for the posterior semicircular canal crista. Fibrous and osteoid tissue filled the superior and lateral semicircular canals. In this case, these severe degenerative changes, presumably associated with biochemical changes in the vestibular labyrinth, altered the natural course of Meniere's disease. Vertigo was completely relieved, tinnitus improved, and hearing thresholds stabilized during the course of post-operative follow-up.

Ear↗

Neurochemical characterization of the vestibular nerves in women with vulvar vestibulitis syndrome.

Women with vulvar vestibulitis syndrome (VVS) have a distinct burning pain provoked by almost any stimuli in the area around the vaginal introitus. In a previous study we observed an increased number of intraepithelial free nerve endings in women with VVS. The aim of the present study was to neurochemically characterize the superficial nerves in the vulvar vestibular mucosa of women with VVS. Immunohistochemical methods were used to detect neuropeptides normally found in various types of nerve fibers. Calcitonin gene-related peptide, which is known to exist in nociceptive afferent nerves, was the only neuropeptide detected in the superficial nerves of the vestibular mucosa. These findings confirm our previous theory that the free nerve endings within the epithelium are nociceptors.

Adolescent↗

Morphometric analysis of fibers of the human vestibular nerve: sex differences.

The aim of this study was to analyze myelinated axons in the human vestibular nerve (VN). We assumed that a smaller total number and average transverse area of myelinated axons in the female than male VN, would partly explain the female preponderance of vestibular disorders. The materials were obtained from 24 cadavers (12 females and 12 males) aged 54-90 years (average 74.8 years). We counted the myelinated axons, measured the transverse area of the myelinated axons, and analyzed morphological differences between the female and male specimens. The total number differed significantly between the female and male specimens. The older generation of both sexes tended to have lower total counts, but there was no significant difference among the generations. The average transverse area of the myelinated axons did not differ significantly between the female and male specimens. The older generation of both sexes tended to have a smaller average transverse area, and there was a significant difference among the generations. The presented results indicated that the lower total number, not the average transverse area, of myelinated axons in the female VN might be one of the reasons why vestibular disorders have a female preponderance.

Aged↗

Brainstem projections of different branches of the vestibular nerve: an experimental study by transganglionic transport of horseradish peroxidase in the cat. II. The anterior and posterior ampullar nerves.

The brainstem projections of the ampullar nerves from the vertical semicircular canals, the anterior (AAN) and the posterior ampullar nerve (PAN), were studied in adult cats using the transganglionic horseradish peroxidase (HRP) method. Each nerve was exposed in three experiments. Two animals in each group had labeling which allowed detailed mapping. From the AAN, terminal-type labeling was found in two separate groups, one laterally and one medially, both in the lateral (LV) and in the superior (SV) vestibular nucleus. In addition, such labeling was found in all parts of the medial vestibular nucleus (MV). Labeled structures were found also in the descending vestibular nucleus, (DV) more densely over its lateral part, except for cell group f, where no labeling was found. From the PAN, terminal-type labeling was found medially and laterally in the LV and in the medial part of the SV. In the MV, such labeling was evenly distributed rostrally but concentrated laterally in caudal parts. In the DV, terminal-type labeling was present rostrally, whereas no labeling was seen caudally. In the interstitial nucleus of the vestibular nerve, terminal-type labeling was observed from the AAN but not from the PAN. No labeled fibers from either of the two ampullar nerves were seen outside the vestibular root and nuclei, except for small-caliber fibers from the SV heading towards the brachium conjunctivum. The findings clearly indicate a specific termination for each of the two ampullar nerves.

Animals↗

Vestibular nerve injury as a complication of microvascular decompression.

We report a case of hemifacial spasm in which hearing was well preserved after microvascular decompression, but the vestibular nerve was injured selectively. We review the pathophysiological mechanisms relevant to this complication in the light of results of animal experimental studies we have conducted. In addition, we discuss the clinical significance of this particular type of cranial nerve injury.

Arteries↗

Preservation of vestibular nerves in surgery of the cerebellopontine angle: effect on hearing and balance function.

INTRODUCTION: Small tumors of the cerebellopontine angle (CPA) can frequently be removed with preservation of the auditory and the vestibular portion of the eighth cranial nerve. This study was undertaken to estimate the effect of vestibular nerve preservation on both balance and hearing following surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of all cases of CPA lesions between 1987 and 1991 was undertaken. This identified 11 patients in whom either the superior and/or inferior vestibular nerves were preserved. This included eight acoustic neuromas and three meningiomas. The retrosigmoid approach and total tumor extirpation was undertaken in all cases. Patients undertook a vestibular questionnaire, audiometric testing, and evaluation of vestibulo-ocular responses preoperatively and postoperatively. Additionally, static and dynamic platform posturography was performed postoperatively in 9 of 11 patients. RESULTS: Follow-up ranged from 6 to 44 months. Of the eight patients with acoustic neuroma, four had a preoperative balance disorder that resolved postoperatively. One patient died of unrelated causes. Of the remaining seven patients with caloric testings, one maintained normal caloric responses. A persistent postoperative phase shift was noted in 4 of the 7 cases with rotatory testing. Three patients were treated for a meningioma. All had a preoperative balance disorder that resolved postoperatively. Two patients showed vestibular response indicative of residual but compromised function on the involved side. The third patient showed absent responses indicating an anatomically intact nerve that does not necessarily predict functional activity. Preservation of the vestibular nerve was associated with preservation of preoperative hearing in five of the patients. This included four of the eight acoustic patients and one of the three meningioma patients. CONCLUSIONS: Preservation of the vestibular nerve did not result in a chronic balance disorder in this patient population. This study does not allow the authors to conclude if vestibular nerve preservation improves overall hearing after CPA surgery; however, these data suggest that preservation of the inferior vestibular nerve may result in less damage to the cochlear nerve in some patients. Accordingly, preservation of the vestibular nerve in CPA meningioma surgery can be recommended.

Adult↗

The vestibular nerve of the chinchilla. III. Peripheral innervation patterns in the utricular macula.

1. Nerve fibers supplying the utricular macula of the chinchilla were labeled by extracellular injection of horseradish peroxidase into the vestibular nerve. The peripheral terminations of individual fibers were reconstructed and related to the regions of the end organ they innervated and to the sizes of their parent axons. 2. The macula is divided into medial and lateral parts by the striola, a narrow zone that runs for almost the entire length of the sensory epithelium. The striola can be distinguished from the extrastriolar regions to either side of it by the wider spacing of its hair cells. Calyx endings in the striola have especially thick walls, and, unlike similar endings in the extrastriola, many of them innervate more than one hair cell. The striola occupies 10% of the sensory epithelium; the lateral extrastriola, 50%; and the medial extrastriola, 40%. 3. The utricular nerve penetrates the bony labyrinth anterior to the end organ. Axons reaching the anterior part of the sensory epithelium run directly through the connective tissue stroma. Those supplying more posterior regions first enter a fiber layer located at the bottom of the stroma. Approximately one-third of the axons bifurcate below the epithelium, usually within 5-20 microns of the basement membrane. Bifurcations are more common in fibers destined for the extrastriola than for the striola. 4. Both calyx and bouton endings were labeled. Calyces can be simple or complex. Simple calyces innervate individual hair cells, whereas complex calyces supply 2-4 adjacent hair cells. Complex endings are more heavily concentrated in the striola than in the extrastriola. Simple calyces and boutons are found in all parts of the epithelium. Calyces emerge from the parent axon or one of its thick branches. Boutons, whether en passant or terminal, are located on thin collaterals. 5. Fibers can be classified into calyx, bouton, or dimorphic categories. The first type only has calyx endings; the second, only bouton endings; and the third, both kinds of endings. Calyx units make up 6% of the labeled fibers, bouton units less than 2%, and dimorphic units greater than 92%. The three fiber types differ in the macular zones they supply and in the diameters of their parent axons. Calyx units were restricted to the striola. The few bouton units were found in the extrastriola.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Animals↗

Cavernous hemangioma of the internal auditory canal arising from the inferior vestibular nerve: case report and review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of cavernous hemangioma arising from the inferior vestibular nerve, limited to the internal auditory canal. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case review and review of literature. SETTING: A tertiary referral clinic. INTERVENTIONS: Extended middle cranial fossa surgery. RESULTS: The hemangioma was completely resected through the extended middle cranial fossa approach. No serious complications occurred, and the hearing and the facial nerve function were preserved. CONCLUSIONS: Originating from the capillary plexus surrounding Scarpa's ganglion, this hemangioma has to be differentiated from intratemporal hemangioma at the geniculate ganglion. Because of extrinsic growth pattern, the potential for preservation of the facial nerve function is high if surgery is performed early. Complete resection through the extended middle fossa approach is the treatment of choice for cavernous hemangioma with limited extension into the cerebellopontine angle. It remains difficult to distinguish preoperatively from the more common tumors, and surgery is usually planned on assumption of vestibular schwannoma.

Adult↗

Patterns of vestibular function following vestibular nerve section.

Bithermal caloric irrigations, low-frequency rotational chair stimulation, and posturography were performed on 20 patients before and after vestibular nerve section. Twelve patients demonstrated acute postoperative spontaneous nystagmus and rotational vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) asymmetry. Eight patients demonstrated minimal acute postoperative spontaneous nystagmus and VOR asymmetry. Four patients had suppression of all vestibular function characterized by an absent contralateral caloric response, low VOR gain, and falls on posturography when required to rely solely on vestibular input to maintain posture. Four patients had a severe preoperative vestibular loss and no acute change in vestibular function following surgery. Over time, 5 patients continued to manifest elevated spontaneous nystagmus, 2 patients manifested a persistent rotational VOR asymmetry, and 5 patients exhibited a return of caloric function in the operated ear. It is suggested that multiple clinical factors contributed to the variable vestibular responses demonstrated in this study.

Adult↗

To abandon or not abandon: antesigmoid craniotomy with retrolabyrinthine vestibular nerve section.

Increasing popularity of the retrosigmoid approach would have one believe this is the preferred posteriorfossa approach for a vestibular nerve section. The authors take issue with this. The antesigmoid posterior lateral retrolabyrinthine approach is a gentle craniotomy, easily performed and with low morbidity. A review of 70 consecutive cases revealed no procedural alteration because of surgical exposure, an absence of meningitis, no VIIth nerve weakness, minimal headache, average hospital stay of five days, and only one patient with a significant CSF leak. Hyperventilation anesthesia, patience during delicate VIIIth nerve exposure, incorporation of abdominal fat into dural closure sutures and prophylactic antibiotics have made this operation easy for the patient...and the surgeon. Don't abandon it!

Colon, Sigmoid↗

Retrolabyrinthine vestibular nerve section: a current appraisal.

We report our experience (1987-1993) with Meniere's disease patients treated with a retrolabyrinthine vestibular neurectomy. The current literature was reviewed and our results have been compared with those of previous reports. The overall success rate for vertigo relief was 96.7%, with no serious or permanent complications resulting from the procedure. The technical elements of the operation, as they apply to our approach and those of others, have been analyzed, with special attention given to the anatomical features of the region and their influence on success or failure. We conclude that the retrolabyrinthine approach for vestibular nerve section remains a safe and highly successful technique which merits continued use.

Adult↗

Simultaneous palsy of facial and vestibular nerve in a child with Lyme borreliosis.

We describe a boy with borreliosis characterized by lymphocytic meningitis and simultaneous palsy of facial and vestibular nerves on the left side. A mild sensoneural affection was also confirmed by brainstem evoked response audiometry. While symptoms of vestibular dysfunction quickly decreased during antibiotic treatment, facial palsy improved only slowly.

Child↗