Surgical section of the posterior ampullary nerve

Surgical section of the posterior ampullary nerve (PAN) has been used as a form of therapy for persistent benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Eighteen patients were reviewed. The PAN was identified in 16 patients, 15 of whom were completely cured and one of whom had improvement of symptoms. Severe sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) occurred in three patients. This study suggests that surgical section of the PAN is effective. The procedure is facilitated by a postauricular incision and canalplasty.