Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the patient selection, indications for operation, surgical methods and effects of microvascular decompression (MVD) for treatment of intractable and incapacitating tinnitus and vertigo.
Materials and methods: A total of 35 patients were recruited from January 2009 to June 2010 for the MVD surgery.
Results: Arterial compression of cochleovestibular nerve was found in all the 35 patients. The immediate effect of MVD was observed in 22 patients with tinnitus and 10 patients with vertigo. The follow-up data for the effect of MVD showed complete resolution of tinnitus in 14 patients and vertigo in 6 patients.
Conclusions: Vascular compression of cochleovestibular nerve in cerebellopontine angle may be one of the causes of intractable and incapacitating tinnitus and/or vertigo. MVD may be a safe and effective surgical procedure for treatment of severe tinnitus and/or vertigo in patients.