Loss of hearing as a result of the procedure is unusual. Endolymphatic shunt may or may not provide permanent relief of vertigo attacks. In the vestibular neurectomy procedure, the vestibular nerve is cut. The vestibular nerve relays signals from the inner ear to the brain, providing the brain with information regarding balance, position, and movement. Cutting of the vestibular nerve prevents the relay of faulty information from the affected ear.
Vestibular neurectomy eliminates attacks of vertigo in many patients.
Older patients may have difficulty recovering from vestibular neurectomy. In the labyrinthectomy procedure, the membranous labyrinth of the inner ear is removed. Of the three surgical procedures available, labyrinthectomy is most likely to eliminate attacks of vertigo. The treated ear will suffer total permanent hearing loss. The material in this article is provided for informational purposes only.