Severe vertigo can cause intense spinning sensations, accompanied by nausea, balance disturbances, and difficulty carrying out daily activities. In certain cases, vertigo is caused by blood vessels compressing the vestibular nerve (the 8th cranial nerve) in the brain, requiring more advanced medical treatment. Today, severe vertigo can be effectively treated through Microvascular Decompression (MVD) surgery performed by Dr. dr. Mardjono Tjahjadi, Sp.BS, Subsp. N-Vas, F. N-Onk, PhD, FICS, IFAANS (Dr. Joy) at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital. This procedure aims to relieve pressure on the nerve and help patients return to a more comfortable and active life.
Contents
MVD Surgery by Dr. Joy to Treat Severe Vertigo
MVD for vertigo is a neurosurgical procedure designed to treat severe vertigo caused by blood vessel compression on the vestibular nerve (the 8th cranial nerve) in the brain.
This procedure is performed by placing a cushion (usually made of Teflon) between the nerve and the compressing blood vessel. MVD has often been successful in treating chronic vertigo and tinnitus (ringing in the ears) with long-term results, unlike general vertigo treatments that only focus on symptom relief.
MVD surgery is typically recommended for persistent vertigo cases that do not respond to other treatments and are often accompanied by tinnitus.
Stages of the MVD Procedure
Below are the stages of the MVD procedure performed to treat severe vertigo, from before surgery to post-operative recovery:
1. Preoperative Stage
Before undergoing MVD surgery, the patient will receive a comprehensive medical evaluation to ensure that their condition is stable and safe for major surgery under general anesthesia. Once anesthesia takes effect and the patient is asleep, a small area of hair behind the ear on the affected side will be shaved, measuring approximately 2.5 x 7.5 cm. The patient’s head will then be positioned carefully and secured with a stabilizing device to maintain stability throughout the procedure.
2. Intraoperative Stage
At this stage, the neurosurgeon will create a small opening in the skull behind the ear, typically about the size of a coin. The protective layer covering the brain (the dura) is then opened to provide access to the nerve area. Using a surgical microscope, the doctor will identify the cranial nerves, particularly the nerve root connected to the brainstem (pons). In this area, blood vessels compressing the nerve are usually found and identified as the source of the symptoms.
3. Postoperative Stage
After the MVD procedure is completed, the patient will be transferred to the recovery room for close monitoring of vital signs until the effects of anesthesia wear off completely. The patient is generally admitted to the ICU for one night for intensive observation. During the early recovery phase, symptoms such as nausea or headaches may occur but are usually manageable with medication.
Once the patient’s condition stabilizes, care continues in a regular inpatient room. Patients are encouraged to gradually resume light activities, such as sitting or walking slowly. In many cases, patients are able to return home within approximately 1–2 days after surgery, along with detailed instructions for continued care at home.
Profile and Expertise of Dr. Joy, Neurosurgeon and MVD Specialist
Dr. dr. Mardjono Tjahjadi, Sp.BS, Subsp. N-Vas, F.N-Onk, PhD, FICS, IFAANS, widely known as Dr. Joy, began his medical education at one of Indonesia’s leading universities. Since his early academic years, he has shown a strong interest in neurosurgery, particularly in the neurovascular subspecialty. After completing his medical degree in Indonesia, Dr. Joy pursued specialized neurosurgical training in Finland, where he studied directly under world-renowned neurosurgeons and actively participated in advanced research on brain aneurysms and brain tumors.
Dr. Joy’s academic achievements became even more remarkable when he completed his doctoral (PhD) program in Finland in an exceptionally short period of time—just 18 months and 12 days. For this accomplishment, he received an award from the Indonesian World Records Museum (MURI) as the “Fastest Medical Doctor to Complete a PhD Program.”
Today, Dr. Joy is recognized as one of Indonesia’s leading neurosurgeons, with extensive experience in managing complex neurological cases, including brain aneurysms, brain hemorrhage, brain tumors, and brain cancer. Supported by a strong educational background, international experience, and a comprehensive, technology-based medical approach, Dr. Joy has earned numerous national and international awards and recognitions.
Dr. Joy’s Practice Schedule at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital
Dr. dr. Mardjono Tjahjadi, Sp.BS, Subsp. N-Vas, F. N-Onk, PhD, FICS, IFAANS practices at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital on the following schedule:
- Monday: By appointment
- Tuesday: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: By appointment
- Thursday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Friday: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
To make your visit more convenient, you may use the WhatsApp Chat feature, Book Appointment, or the Care Dokter application, available for download on Google Play and the App Store, to schedule visits, check queue numbers, and access complete medical information.
