Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 29, 2026
05:02
Using Unidirectional Rotations to Improve Vestibular System Asymmetry in Patients with Vestibular Dysfunction
Published on: August 30, 2019
Surgical therapy in intractable benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.
Marianne Leveque1, Marc Labrousse, Laurent Seidermann
1Department of ENT, Robert Debre Hospital, CHU Reims, France. marilvq@aol.com
Summary
Surgical interventions for intractable benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) include singular neurectomy and canal occlusion. These procedures are rarely performed due to complexity and potential hearing risks, with decreasing rates observed.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neurology
- Vestibular System Disorders
Background:
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common vestibular disorder.
- While typically resolved with repositioning maneuvers, intractable BPPV necessitates alternative treatments.
- Surgical options are considered for rare, disabling BPPV cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review surgical techniques for intractable BPPV.
- To analyze reported surgical cases and outcomes.
- To discuss indications for surgical intervention in BPPV.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of articles published between 1972 and 2005.
- Inclusion of studies detailing specific surgical therapies for BPPV.
- Analysis of anatomic studies on surgical techniques.
Main Results:
- Two primary surgical techniques identified: singular neurectomy and posterior semicircular canal occlusion.
- Limited case numbers (342 for neurectomy, 97 for occlusion) suggest procedural difficulty and risks.
- A decline in surgical BPPV treatments since the early 1990s due to improved non-surgical management.
Conclusions:
- Surgical treatment for BPPV is reserved for a small, select patient population.
- Techniques carry risks, including potential hearing compromise.
- The review provides insights into current practices and physiopathology of intractable BPPV.
