The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Vestibular Implant

Implantable vestibular prosthesis for bilateral vestibular hypofunction unresponsive to rehabilitation.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our KBB (Kulak Burun Boğaz) department. Book Appointment →

What is Vestibular Implant?

The vestibular implant is an investigational and selectively clinical device modeled on the cochlear implant; it consists of a head-worn motion sensor, sound/motion processor and an implanted receiver-stimulator with electrodes inserted into the ampullae of the semicircular canals.

Indication is severe bilateral vestibular hypofunction not benefiting from vestibular rehabilitation, with disabling oscillopsia, unsteadiness, falls and reduced quality of life despite optimal physiotherapy.

Surgery is performed via a transmastoid approach with selective canal labyrinthotomies; modulated electrical stimulation reproduces head-velocity signals to drive the vestibulo-ocular and vestibulo-spinal reflexes, restoring partial gaze stability and dynamic balance.

Symptoms

Disabling oscillopsia with head movement
Chronic unsteadiness and increased fall risk
Inability to read signs while walking
Difficulty with rapid head turns and driving
Failure of vestibular rehabilitation
Reduced quality of life and social withdrawal
Frequent secondary anxiety and depression

Risk Factors

Severe bilateral vestibular hypofunction confirmed by video head impulse test and caloric testing
Aminoglycoside ototoxicity
Bilateral Meniere disease in stable phase
Sequential bilateral vestibular schwannoma surgery
Idiopathic bilateral vestibulopathy
Severe sensorineural hearing loss may complicate device choice
Anatomic distortion of the semicircular canals

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Persistent oscillopsia and falls despite rehabilitation
  • Documented bilateral vestibular failure on objective testing
  • Tertiary referral for advanced vestibular evaluation
  • Discussion of investigational or compassionate-use protocols
  • Co-existing severe sensorineural hearing loss requiring combined cochlear-vestibular implant evaluation
  • Pre-operative balance and posturography assessment
  • Postoperative rehabilitation planning

Treatment Methods

01
Comprehensive vestibular and audiologic evaluation
02
Optimization of vestibular rehabilitation before surgery
03
Multidisciplinary team selection of implant candidates
04
Transmastoid surgical implantation with electrodes in three semicircular canals
05
Activation and fitting with motion-modulated stimulation
06
Adaptive vestibular rehabilitation post-implantation
07
Long-term follow-up of vestibulo-ocular reflex, posture and quality of life

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our KBB (Kulak Burun Boğaz) department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About KBB (Kulak Burun Boğaz) Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Anaemia

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Anaemia is a low haemoglobin level that reduces oxygen delivery, causing fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath. It is not a disease itself but a sign of many underlying conditions. Most cases are correctable with appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Iron deficiency anaemia develops when dietary intake, absorption, or losses create an iron shortfall, most often affecting women and children. Identifying the underlying cause is the core of management, alongside iron replacement.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause megaloblastic anaemia, neurological symptoms, and cognitive impairment. Early treatment with intramuscular or oral B12 largely prevents irreversible complications.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Management

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hypertension is often called the silent killer because it progresses symptom-free for years and can damage the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. Regular monitoring, lifestyle change, and evidence-based drug therapy dramatically reduce cardiovascular risk.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common complications of chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, and can be silent in its early stages.

Hepatitis B (HBV)

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hepatitis B is a DNA virus infection causing acute and chronic hepatitis with risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; diagnosis integrates HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBc, and HBV DNA with management based on disease phase using nucleos(t)ide analogues (entecavir, tenofovir) and universal infant vaccination.

Hepatitis C (HCV)

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hepatitis C is an RNA virus causing chronic hepatitis that may progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; modern direct-acting antiviral (DAA) pangenotypic regimens (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir) achieve sustained virologic response over 95% in 8–12 weeks with universal adult screening and cure for nearly all patients.

Fatty Liver Disease

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely related to obesity and metabolic syndrome and is largely reversible with early treatment.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.