Ablation of posterior semicircular canal for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

Obstruction of the posterior semicircular canal to prevent fluid movement without injury to the neurosensory end organ has been shown to be effective treatment for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Risk of injury to the inner ear with loss of hearing has been reported with a variety of techniques. This paper will describe a modification of the procedure to ablate the posterior semicircular canal and to minimize the risk of inner ear injury. The procedure has been performed on 17 patients with prompt and lasting relief of vertigo and no hearing loss. The procedure seems to be a valuable and effective treatment for the disturbing condition of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.