BPPV Surgery

Surgery for BPPV is reserved for the most severe cases which are intractable and which are not associated with other pathology. All surgical interventions carry with them the risk of anesthesia and the risk of injury to the nerve that moves the face and may also cause permanent and total deafness in the affected ear.

Posterior semi-circular canal occlusion is the simplest procedure which addresses the cause of the dizziness at its source. The posterior semi-circular canal is surgically plugged. This prevents any loose particles from causing vertigo.

Singular Neurectomy involves the surgical cutting of the nerve that goes to part of the balance organ. It carries with the same risks as brain surgery as well as the possibility of injury to the hearing apparatus and the nerve to the face.

Vestibular Neurectomy involves the surgical cutting of all the nerves to the entire balance organ on the affected side. It is not the recommended procedure for BPPV. As above it has significant risks and will permanently remove the balance function on the affected side.

Labyrinthectomy involves the removal of the entire balance organ. In some cases this can be done with chemicals but is more commonly performed surgically. Surgical removal causes deafness on the affected side. This procedure is reserved for surgical approaches to tumors of the brain and for the treatment of refractory Meniere's disease. It is not the recommended treatment of BPPV.

DISCLAIMER: While the information offered here is intended to be of help to the user, this information in no way establishes a doctor-patient relationship between the user and Clearwater Clinical Ltd. or any Clearwater Clinical Ltd. Employee/Representative.
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