Argon laser irradiation of the semicircular canal in two patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

The results of long-term follow-up after surgical treatment of two patients with intractable benign paroxysmal positional vertigo are reported. Argon laser irradiation of the blue-lined posterior and lateral semicircular canals in one patient, and of only the posterior canal in the other was performed seven and six years ago, respectively. Argon laser irradiation was carried out 10 times in succession three mm along the canal to occlude it. The power applied each time was 1.5 W on the dial of the laser device for 0.5 sec. Relief of vertigo was noted on the second post-irradiation day. There has been no recurrence of vertigo in these patients.