Technique and results of singular neurectomy for the management of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

One hundred thirty-seven patients with chronic disabling paroxysmal positional vertigo were treated surgically with singular neurectomy (SN) during the years 1972-1994. One hundred forty-six SN were performed on these patients. One hundred twenty-eight patients underwent unilateral SN while 9 patients underwent bilateral sequential SN. The patients ranged in age from 25 to 86 years with a mean of 57 years and a female to male ratio of 92: 45. One hundred thirty-eight patients (94%) experienced complete relief of vertigo following SN. Three patients (2%) experienced partial relief of positional vertigo following SN and 5 patients failed to have any improvement of symptoms following SN (4%). A partial sensorineural occurred following SN in 4 patients (3%) in this series. The results indicate that SN is a safe and effective surgical treatment for chronic disabling BPV caused by the posterior semicircular canal.