A 56-year-old patient who had been suffering from chronic vertigo for years finally found hope through Microvascular Decompression (MVD) surgery performed by Dr. dr. Mardjono Tjahjadi, Sp.BS, Subsp. N-Vas, F. N-Onk, PhD, FICS, IFAANS—widely known as Dr. Joy—at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri.
Contents
Chronic Vertigo and Its Impact on the Patient’s Daily Life
The patient had endured chronic vertigo for over two years, experiencing severe dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and general body weakness. The vertigo episodes could strike without warning—even while typing at work or driving—once leading to a motorcycle accident.
On average, the patient experienced 2–3 vertigo attacks per week. During more severe episodes, hospitalization was necessary due to constant vomiting and dehydration.
Despite consulting several neurologists and receiving various medications considered most effective, the symptoms persisted. Some doctors even stated they could no longer provide treatment for the condition.
Accurate Diagnosis Through Advanced Imaging at Mandaya Royal Puri
After exhausting other treatment options, the patient was referred to Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri and received care from Dr. Joy. A comprehensive evaluation, including high-resolution MRI and MRA imaging, revealed a blood vessel pressing against the 7th and 8th cranial nerves on the left side of the brain.
The 8th cranial nerve plays a key role in balance and hearing. Pressure on this nerve caused the patient’s vertigo and tinnitus symptoms.
This condition is extremely rare worldwide. Compression of cranial nerves may cause a range of symptoms including vertigo, tinnitus, and even hearing loss, but such cases are found in only a small number of patients globally.
MVD Procedure and Postoperative Results
Given the strong correlation between the imaging results and the patient’s symptoms, Dr. Joy opted to perform Microvascular Decompression (MVD) surgery. The goal was to relieve the 8th cranial nerve from the pressure caused by a crossing blood vessel. A Teflon pad was placed between the nerve and the vessel to prevent future contact.
The outcome was highly successful: vertigo episodes ceased entirely after the surgery. The tinnitus symptoms also improved significantly. Two months post-operation, the patient remained symptom-free, with no recurring issues or pain at the surgical site.
Before MVD:
After MVD:
Intensive Support and Monitoring from Dr. Joy
Throughout the recovery process, the patient received close, intensive monitoring from Dr. Joy. Regular follow-ups ensured optimal healing. With the support of a professional medical team and advanced diagnostic technology at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri, the patient experienced an efficient and smooth recovery.
Dr. Joy highlighted that this case marks a significant milestone, as it is the first successful MVD procedure in Indonesia for such a rare condition. This underscores the importance of precise diagnosis and targeted treatment based on accurate identification of the underlying issue.
Chronic vertigo that does not respond to conventional treatment may indicate a structural nerve issue in the brain. Advanced imaging such as high-resolution MRI and MRA is essential to detect the root cause. With the right treatment from an experienced neurosurgeon like Dr. Joy at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri, patients can achieve meaningful recovery and enjoy a much better quality of life.
Dr. Joy’s Profile and Practice Schedule at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
Dr. Joy is one of Indonesia’s leading neurosurgeons with numerous accomplishments both nationally and internationally. He holds a MURI record as the “Fastest Doctoral Graduate in Medicine,” completing his PhD at the University of Helsinki, Finland, in just 18 months and 12 days.
With thousands of cases under his care, Dr. Joy has extensive expertise in procedures such as Awake Brain Surgery, Endoscopic Endonasal Transsphenoidal (EETH) surgery for brain tumor removal through the nose, and Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA).
Dr. dr. Mardjono Tjahjadi, Sp.BS, Subsp. N-Vas, F. N-Onk, PhD, FICS, IFAANS Consultation hours 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 schedule an appointment with Dr. Joy at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri, use the WhatsApp Chat feature, Book Appointment page, or download the Care Dokter app on Google Play or the App Store for easy access to queue numbers, appointment info, and more.
