A 56-year-old man suffering from long-term vertigo finally found relief thanks to an advanced medical procedure at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital. The 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, transformed the patient’s life—marking one of the first successful vertigo operations of its kind in Indonesia.
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Vertigo Symptoms That Disrupted the Patient’s Life
The patient had experienced recurring vertigo for over two years, suffering from intense dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and severe fatigue. The vertigo attacks would strike unexpectedly—during work or even while driving—and once led to a traffic accident.
These episodes occurred 2–3 times per week and, in severe cases, required hospitalization due to fluid loss from continuous vomiting. Despite trying various treatments and medications prescribed by several neurologists, the patient saw no improvement. Some doctors even noted the case as complex and difficult to manage.
Accurate Diagnosis Using Thin-Slice MRI and MRA Technology
The patient was referred to Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital for further evaluation with Dr. Joy. Using advanced thin-slice MRI and MRA imaging, the medical team identified a blood vessel compressing the 7th and 8th cranial nerves on the left side of the brain.
The 8th cranial nerve is responsible for balance and hearing, and this compression explained the patient’s vertigo and tinnitus (ringing in the ears). This condition is considered extremely rare globally, with only a few similar cases reported worldwide.
MVD Procedure: An Effective Solution to Relieve Nerve Compression
After matching the imaging results with the clinical symptoms, Dr. Joy recommended Microvascular Decompression (MVD) surgery. The procedure involves placing a Teflon cushion between the blood vessel and the nerve to eliminate direct contact and reduce pressure.
The results were remarkable. The patient’s vertigo attacks stopped completely, and his tinnitus symptoms significantly improved. Two months post-surgery, the patient remained in stable condition with no recurring symptoms. Interestingly, the surgical wound left no pain or discomfort.
Beyond the successful procedure, the patient also benefited from Dr. Joy’s personalized care approach. Close monitoring throughout the recovery period ensured each phase progressed optimally. The expertise of the medical team and the advanced diagnostic facilities at Mandaya Royal Puri further supported the patient’s smooth recovery.
According to Dr. Joy, the success of this procedure marks a major milestone—it is the first successful MVD surgery in Indonesia to treat vertigo caused by vascular compression of the brain nerves.
Before MVD:
After MVD:
Chronic vertigo that does not respond to standard treatment may be a sign of a structural issue within the nervous system. That’s why advanced imaging, such as thin-slice MRI and MRA, is crucial to detect hidden causes accurately.
Treatment by an experienced neurosurgeon like Dr. Joy can offer long-term solutions and significantly improve the patient’s overall quality of life.
Meet Dr. Joy: Leading Neurosurgeon at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital
Dr. Joy is one of Indonesia’s most accomplished neurosurgeons, holding numerous accolades—including a national record from the Indonesian World Records Museum (MURI) for “Fastest Completion of a Medical Doctoral Program.” He earned his PhD from the University of Helsinki, Finland in just 18 months and 12 days.
With thousands of successful procedures, Dr. Joy is highly skilled in various neurosurgical techniques, such as:
- Awake Brain Surgery (performed while the patient is conscious)
- Endoscopic Endonasal Transsphenoidal Surgery (EETH) for brain tumor removal through the nasal passage
- Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA)
- Microvascular Decompression (MVD) for vertigo and tinnitus caused by nerve compression
Dr. dr. Mardjono Tjahjadi, Sp.BS, Subsp. N-Vas, F. N-Onk, PhD, FICS, IFAANS is available for consultations at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital during the following schedule:
- 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 conveniently book your visit with Dr. Joy at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital, use the WhatsApp Chat, Book Appointment feature, or download the Care Dokter app from Google Play or the App Store to view queue numbers, check schedules, and access complete information.
