Intraoperative Monitoring of the Cochlear Nerve during Neurofibromatosis Type-2 Vestibular Schwannoma Surgery and Description of a “Test Intracochlear Electrode”

Abstract

Objectives A decision on whether to insert a cochlear implant can be made in neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) if there is objective evidence of cochlear nerve (CN) function post vestibular schwannoma (VS) excision. We aimed to develop intraoperative CN monitoring to help in this decision.Design We describe the intraoperative monitoring of a patient with NF2 and our stimulating and recording set up. A novel test electrode is used to stimulate the CN electrically.Setting This study was set at a tertiary referral center for skull base pathology.Main outcome measure Preserved auditory brainstem responses leading to cochlear implantation.Results Electrical auditory brainstem response (EABR) waveforms will be displayed from different stages of the operation. A cochlear implant was inserted at the same sitting based on the EABR.Conclusion Electrically evoked CN monitoring can provide objective evidence of CN function after VS excision and aid in the decision-making process of hearing rehabilitation in patients who will be rendered deaf.