A 56-year-old man who had been battling chronic vertigo for years finally achieved recovery after undergoing a Microvascular Decompression (MVD) procedure performed by Dr. dr. Mardjono Tjahjadi, Sp.BS, Subsp. N-Vas, F. N-Onk, PhD, FICS, IFAANS—commonly known as Dr. Joy—at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri.
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The Impact of Chronic Vertigo on the Patient’s Daily Life
For over two years, the patient suffered from severe vertigo accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and body weakness. The attacks could occur suddenly—whether he was working in front of a computer or driving. At one point, vertigo even caused him to fall off his motorcycle and nearly lose control while behind the wheel.
He experienced vertigo attacks two to three times a week. During severe episodes, he had to be hospitalized due to extreme dehydration from continuous vomiting. Despite consulting several neurologists and receiving the best available treatments, his condition showed no improvement.
Diagnosis and the Role of MRI/MRA Imaging
After exhausting various treatments without success, the patient was referred to Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri and examined by Dr. Joy. Using high-resolution MRI and MRA scans, Dr. Joy discovered that a blood vessel was compressing 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, so the compression caused long-term vertigo and tinnitus (ringing in the ears). This is an extremely rare condition and considered a unique neurological disorder globally.
The MVD Procedure and Postoperative Recovery
Because the imaging results matched the patient’s symptoms, Dr. Joy recommended an MVD surgery. The procedure involves placing a Teflon cushion between the nerve and blood vessel to prevent direct contact and friction.
The surgery was a success, and the results were outstanding. The frequent vertigo attacks disappeared completely, and the tinnitus gradually improved. Even two months after surgery, the patient remained stable with no recurrence of symptoms or surgical pain.
Before MVD:
After MVD:
Comprehensive Postoperative Support from Dr. Joy and Medical Team
Throughout the hospital stay, Dr. Joy actively monitored the patient’s condition. The medical team at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri also provided full support with a personalized approach and advanced diagnostic technology to ensure optimal recovery.
According to Dr. Joy, the success of this operation marked a major milestone, as it was the first documented case in Indonesia of MVD surgery effectively resolving chronic vertigo caused by vascular compression on the cranial nerve. It underscores the importance of accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment in managing complex neurological conditions.
Persistent vertigo that does not improve with standard treatments could indicate a structural issue within the central nervous system. Therefore, in-depth examinations like MRI/MRA are highly recommended. With care from an experienced neurosurgeon like Dr. Joy, patients have the potential to achieve full recovery and return to normal life.
Dr. Joy’s Practice Schedule and Professional Profile at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
Dr. Joy is a renowned neurosurgeon who has handled thousands of complex cases, including Awake Brain Surgery, Endoscopic Endonasal Tumor Removal (EETH), and DSA procedures.
He also holds a record with MURI as the fastest medical PhD achiever, completing his doctorate at the University of Helsinki, Finland, in just 18 months and 12 days.
Dr. dr. Mardjono Tjahjadi, Sp.BS, Subsp. N-Vas, F. N-Onk, PhD, FICS, IFAANS is available for consultation at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri during the following times:
- 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 easier, you can contact Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri through WhatsApp Chat, the Book Appointment feature, or the Care Dokter app—available on Google Play and the App Store—to check queue numbers, appointment schedules, and get full information.
