Cochlear implantation and vertigo-case presentation

Abstract

CI has become a standard of care for the patients with moderate to severe sensorineural hearing loss in the last more than 20 years. In time when the indications for CI are significantly expanded and we have wide use and application of cochlear implant it is already becoming very important to critically analyze and evaluate all the risks and possible side effects of this procedure. Postoperative vertigo it’s one of the well - known complications after cochlear implantation which has a considerable impact of patient life. It can be a consequence of many causes and the complaints can appear directly after cochlear implantation surgery or after a period of time. Postoperative vertigo it’s more common in adults, especially in one who have a history of preoperative balance disorders and long lasting deafness. Children really suffer from this complication which usually occurs in milder form. In this case report we present a 9-year-old child, a cochlear implant recipient, with recurrent episodes of vertigo appearing for the first time 6 years after the implantation. Every next episode of vertigo was milder than the previous one and well respond on standard vestibular therapy with Beathistine or Eglonyl. Exposing patient to the risk of possible balance disorders associated with CI its justified in view of the hearing rehabilitation achieved. In any case it’s necessary to inform the patient about possibility and quality of post-operative vertigo symptoms. Implementing a protocol for peri-operative evaluation of the vestibular function of specially designed questionnaires and objective tests for assessment of the vestibular function should be standard procedure for each patient who is candidate for a cochlear implant