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Effect of singular neurectomy on the caloric response
M R Gacek1, R R Gacek, R Martell
1Department of Otolaryngology, SUNY Health Science Center, Syracuse, USA.
Purpose:
This study was performed to determine the contribution of the posterior semicircular canal to the vestibulo-ocular responses (VOR) from caloric stimulation of the labyrinth.
Materials And Methods:
Seven consecutive patients with disabling benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, which was treated with singular neurectomy, were tested before and after surgery with bithermal stimulation of the operated and nonoperated ears.
Results:
There was a significant (P = .0156) decrease in the VOR from stimulation of the operated ear following singular neurectomy. The nonoperated ear showed a variety of changes that may have resulted from compensatory mechanisms and/or utricular dysfunction.
Conclusions:
We conclude that the posterior canal together with the lateral and superior canals are responsible for the VOR following caloric stimulation of the labyrinth.