Vestibular nerve injury as a complication of microvascular decompression.

We report a case of hemifacial spasm in which hearing was well preserved after microvascular decompression, but the vestibular nerve was injured selectively. We review the pathophysiological mechanisms relevant to this complication in the light of results of animal experimental studies we have conducted. In addition, we discuss the clinical significance of this particular type of cranial nerve injury.