A 56-year-old patient suffering from long-standing vertigo and chronic tinnitus finally found relief after undergoing Microvascular Decompression (MVD) surgery performed by Dr. dr. Mardjono Tjahjadi, Sp.BS, Subsp. N-Vas, F. N-Onk, PhD, FICS, IFAANS—also known as Dr. Joy—at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri.
This procedure marks a major milestone as the first successful vertigo surgery of its kind in Indonesia for such a rare condition.
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Chronic Vertigo Severely Impacted the Patient’s Daily Life
The patient had been experiencing vertigo for over two years, with symptoms including severe dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and physical weakness. The vertigo episodes occurred suddenly—even while working on a computer or driving—leading to a traffic accident.
The patient experienced vertigo attacks 2–3 times per week. Severe episodes required hospitalization due to persistent vomiting and dehydration.
Despite seeking treatment from various neurologists and taking the most effective medications available, the condition did not improve. Some doctors even admitted they were unable to treat the case further.
Accurate Diagnosis Thanks to Advanced MRA Imaging
Eventually, the patient was referred to Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri for consultation with Dr. Joy. Through advanced diagnostic imaging using high-resolution MRI and MRA, it was discovered that a blood vessel was compressing the 7th and 8th cranial nerves on the left side of the brain. The 8th cranial nerve is responsible for balance and hearing.
This compression caused the combined symptoms of vertigo and tinnitus. The condition is considered extremely rare globally and is found in only a small number of cases worldwide. Symptoms can vary from vertigo and tinnitus to hearing loss.
MVD Surgery with Satisfying Results
Based on the diagnostic findings and symptom match, Dr. Joy decided to proceed with MVD surgery to relieve pressure on the 8th cranial nerve.
During the procedure, a Teflon pad was placed between the nerve and the blood vessel to prevent future contact and pressure.
The results were highly successful. The patient’s weekly vertigo attacks completely stopped. The previously persistent tinnitus also improved significantly.
Two months after surgery, the patient remained stable with no further complaints. The surgical site healed well without any lingering pain.
Before MVD:
After MVD:
A Personalized Approach and Intensive Support from Dr. Joy
Throughout the treatment process, Dr. Joy provided close, personalized care and intensive monitoring. The recovery progressed optimally thanks to the support of a professional medical team and the advanced diagnostic facilities at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri.
According to Dr. Joy, the success of this surgery marks the first MVD vertigo surgery performed in Indonesia for such a rare neurological condition. It highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment based on the structure of the brain and cranial nerves.
Chronic vertigo that does not improve with standard treatments could signal structural issues within the central nervous system. In-depth examinations such as high-resolution MRI and MRA are crucial for identifying possible vascular compression of nerves responsible for balance and hearing.
With the right diagnosis and treatment by an experienced neurosurgeon like Dr. Joy, patients can achieve long-lasting recovery and enjoy a significantly improved quality of life.
Dr. Joy’s Profile and Practice Schedule at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
Dr. Joy is one of Indonesia’s most prominent neurosurgeons. He was awarded by the Indonesian World Records Museum (MURI) for being the “Fastest Medical Doctorate Graduate”, completing his PhD in just 18 months and 12 days at the University of Helsinki, Finland.
He specializes in a wide range of complex neurosurgical procedures, including:
- Awake Brain Surgery (performed while the patient is conscious)
- Endoscopic Endonasal Transsphenoidal (EETH) surgery for brain tumors via the nose
- Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA)
- Microvascular Decompression (MVD)
Dr. dr. Mardjono Tjahjadi, Sp.BS, Subsp. N-Vas, F. N-Onk, PhD, FICS, IFAANS Practice Schedule at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri:
- Monday: By appointment
- Tuesday: 14:00 – 17:00 WIB
- Wednesday: By appointment
- Thursday: 08:00 – 12:00 WIB
- Friday: 14:00 – 17:00 WIB
- Saturday: 08:00 – 12:00 WIB
To make your visit to Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri and your consultation with Dr. Joy easier, use the WhatsApp Chat feature, Book Appointment page, or the Care Dokter app—available on Google Play and the App Store—to view queue numbers, schedule appointments, and access other complete information.
