The nerve is responsible for equilibrium and hearing.
Conditions of the vestibulocochlear nerve include vestibular neuritis,labyrinthitis, andacoustic neuroma.
The cochlear part of the nerve travels from the cochlea in the inner ear in the spiral ganglion.
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Function
The function of the vestibulocochlear nerve is purely sensory.
It has no motor function.
It communicate ssound and equilibrium information from the inner ear to the brain.
Thecochlea, the part of the inner ear where the cochlear part of the nerve originates, detects soundwaves.
These then travel from the spiral ganglion to the brain.
Then the position of the head communicates information about balance to the brain.
Associated Conditions
Conditions of the vestibulocochlear nerve can affect balance and hearing.
An otologist or neurotologist commonly work with disorders associated with the vestibulocochlear nerve.
The onset of both conditions is often sudden.
Symptoms of vestibular neuritis and labyrinthitis can include:
Symptoms generally resolve after a couple of days.
Some people experience dizziness and balance problems for several months.
These disorders may be because of a viral or bacterial infection.
Diagnosis for vestibular neuritis and labyrinthitis can be made by an otologist or a neurotologist.
Your healthcare provider may refer you to anaudiologistfor hearing and balance tests.
Acoustic Neuroma
Acoustic neuroma is a noncancerous tumor that grows on the vestibulocochlear nerve.
Rehabilitation
Treatment for conditions of the vestibulocochlear nerve usually involves managing symptoms until they resolve.
Sometimes further intervention, like medication or surgery is required.
Vestibular neuritis and labyrinthitis are managed with medication to manage nausea and dizziness.
These medications should not be taken for more than several days.
If a virus is suspected,antiviralmedications may also be prescribed.
Sometimes steroids are also used, although the benefits of steroids are not conclusive.
Balance rehabilitationmay be recommended if symptoms persist for more than a few weeks.
Treatment of acoustic neuroma depends on the size of the tumor and a persons general health.
Treatment options include watchful waiting, surgery, and radiation.
Surgical removal is done via craniotomy, surgical removal of part of the skull to enter the brain.
Keyhole craniotomy is the less invasive surgery option.
This surgery results in complete hearing loss.
Post-treatment, people may benefit from hearing aids orcochlear implants.
Iffacial nervesare damaged during surgery, plastic surgery may restore facial functioning.
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