After I went through many archived threads on VNS (vestibular nerve section), the thing that dawned on me is what VNS does not accomplish. That is, post VNS, you are still left with the tinnitus, aural fullness, brain fog/fatigue, and progressive hearing loss. Because, as a few forum members kept pointing out; the diseased inner ear is left in place. (As apposed to a Laby). This point is surely obvious to long-time MM sufferers. And is partly why many prefer the Laby. I guess I'm just saying, that as an MM newbie, the idea that Meneire's STILL persists in the inner ear AFTER a VNS, is sort of an eye opening thing for me. Like, it's so obvious that I almost missed it. So I guess my post here is just a reminder for newbies like me who are considering a VNS. Yes, it solves the main thing, dizziness/vertigo...but it doesn't solve everything. It's disheartening to realize that post VNS, I'll still have the awful bouts of fatigue, and the less awful brain-fog. But then nothing is perfect. You can't have your Doritos and munch them too.
I dont know if a laby necessarily takes care of tinnitus, brain fog etc. It does leave one completely deaf in that ear. The vns, on the other hand, spares the hearing. So, one big factor in choosing is how much useful hearing is left in that ear at the time of surgery. Another thing is, that the vns is a much more complicated and risky surgery. While the laby is 'ear surgery' the vns is 'brain surgery' with the possibility of more serious side effects. This should only be done by a neurosurgeon with a lot of experience with thse kinds of surgeries. In addition to the usual risks of brain surgery, there is also the possibiltiy that After the surgery the balance nerve may grow back and that kind of thing. All these things should be discussed in detail with the surgeon before having the surgery. No matter which surgery was being don, i would ask the doctor whether a cochlear implant could be done down the road if needed. Do not assume ... If the problem is indeed MAV or another ear problem, then neither of these surgeries will fix it, so it is better to take time to make sure the diagnosis is rock solid before haiving these surgeries. Also if the problem is viral in origin, it may pop up in the other ear so it is well to make sure that avenue has been looked at. All that said, if I had relentless vertigo and i had a rock solid diagnosis and antivirals and other measures didnt work for me, i would have a laby in a heartbeat. I have lived with one hearing and balance nerve for 20 years and have a very 'normal' life. No big deal for me except i cant tell whcih way sound is coming from.
I would prefer a laby as well, but it does not cure the tinnitus or brain fog, from what i hear. It also does not prevent one from going bilateral, if they are going to go bilateral. Many doctors won't do that surgery if you have significant hearing left. Tough choices. Each person has to make their own call.
The laby takes it all away.... pressure, hypercusis, fullness, brain fog .... ect The laby is the gold standard for curing Menderes period!!!! I had a laby many many years ago and I am as normal as any 47 year old man walking this earth except I am deaf in my rat ear. I type this as I just came ft the lake after a day of wakeboarding, skiing , boating , swimming and jet skiing. Every now and then at night I will notice a little tinnitus but that is it. With the laby you will never get brain fog or dizziness again. Not pressure, fullness, ect..... There is a reason people with laby shave left this forum.... they are too busy leading normal lives.
Sorry for the typos I am trying to grill chicken for kids and company and type at the same time. You get the picture
Regarding the diseased ear being left in place ... i dont know about that assumption. I would talk to the surgeon. Sometimes the 'disease' is on the nerve. In any event, when the nerve is gone, the ear cannot talk to the brain so it doesnt matter what screwy thing it has to say. Talk to the surgeon. Maybe talk to multiple ents. Do not rely on theories of us patients. We are all working on a sample od one and your situation may not be like ours.