Numerical Analysis of the Vestibular Nerve in Man

A Preliminary Report

Abstract

11 vestibular nerves from individuals of various ages ranging from birth to 85 years have been studied with regard to the numbers of nerve fibers. In this study it has been shown that young children have between 18 773 and 20 212 myelinated vestibular nerve fibers and that there is a clear and statistically significant reduction in number of fibers occurring with increasing age. The reduction averages 40% in the old age group. The study has included a separate investigation of all vestibular branches and the major reduction is found in the ampullary nerve fibers. This part of the observations will be separately published.