Delayed quick spins after vestibular nerve section respond to anticonvulsant therapy.

Objective: To describe the clinical features of patients with failed vestibular nerve section that have a response to anticonvulsant medication.

Study Design: Retrospective case review.

Setting: Ambulatory tertiary referral center.

Patients: We report three patients who were afflicted with frequent brief spinning spells, or "quick spins," after vestibular neurectomy for Meniere's disease.

Intervention: Treatment with anticonvulsants.

Main Outcome Measure: Relief of vertigo.

Results: All cases had an excellent therapeutic response to carbamazepine or oxcarbazepine, agents conventionally used for neuralgia, suggesting that these symptoms are caused by a hyperexcitable vestibular nerve.

Conclusion: Treatment of neuralgia should be considered when the symptom of quick spins arises after vestibular neurectomy.