Efficacy and safety of semicircular canal occlusion for intractable horizontal semicircular benign paroxysmal...

Some studies have suggested that semicircular canal occlusion is effective and safe for treating intractable posterior semicircular benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (PSC-BPPV), and adverse effects of canal occlusions for intractable horizontal semicircular BPPV (HSC-BPPV) were rarely reported. The aim of this study was to retrospectively discuss the efficacy of semicircular canal occlusion for intractable HSC-BPPV with at least 2 years of follow-up.

From 2000 to 2011, 3 female patients (average age=60±6.9 years), with a diagnosis of HSC-BPPV refractory to head-shake and barbecue roll maneuver, underwent semicircular canal occlusion treatment in our hospital. The supine roll test was performed to diagnose HSC-BPPV and evaluate the treatment efficacy.

All patients with intractable HSC-BPPV had complete resolution of their positional vertigo after semicircular canal occlusion with a negative supine roll test. All patients reported transient postoperative disequilibrium, nausea, and vomiting, which resolved within 2 weeks. In addition, 1 patient (33.3%) had transient tinnitus, which resolved after 4 months. There were no other significant long-term complications.

Semicircular canal occlusion appears to be a safe and well-tolerated treatment modality for intractable HSC-BPPV. However, further studies with large sample sizes are needed to confirm our conclusion.