Fenestration and occlusion of the posterior semicircular canal for benign positional vertigo

Clin Otolaryngol Allied Sci. 1992 Aug;17(4):300-2. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2273.1992.tb01000.x.

Abstract

Benign positional vertigo is a potentially disabling condition characterized by episodic vertigo following certain provocative head movements. In most patients it is self limiting; however, in a few it may prove intractable, causing considerable social morbidity. In these patients surgery may be considered. Surgery previously involved section of the vestibular or singular nerves, involving a significant risk to hearing and to the facial nerve. Ablation of the labyrinth may even be considered. The new surgical technique of occlusion of the posterior semicircular canal has proved to be curative in most patients with benign positional vertigo with little risk of hearing. This paper describes our experience of fenestration and occlusion of the posterior semicircular canal in four patients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Caloric Tests
  • Female
  • Fenestration, Labyrinth / methods*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nystagmus, Physiologic
  • Posture / physiology
  • Semicircular Canals / surgery*
  • Vertigo / surgery*