Does having the vestibular nerve removed affect a person?

Vestibular nerve removal may affect some patients, such as infection of the incision, meningitis, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, tinnitus, hearing loss, and facial paralysis. Since vestibular neurectomy is an invasive treatment, patients are at risk of developing surgical incision infections, meningitis, and cerebrospinal fluid leaks. Since the auditory nerve accompanies the vestibular nerve, there is a risk of damage to the auditory nerve during removal of the vestibular nerve, with symptoms such as tinnitus and hearing loss. The facial nerve is anatomically close to the vestibular nerve, so there is a risk of damage to the facial nerve and facial paralysis from the surgery. Vestibular nerve removal surgery can be used to treat Meniere’s syndrome. Most patients with Meniere’s syndrome can have their symptoms relieved with oral medication. A small number of patients who do not respond well to medication may be considered for surgical treatment, but the risks of surgery should be fully evaluated and treatment should be performed under the guidance of a physician.