Is Surgical Treatment Required For Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo?

Posted on Wed, 21 Sep 2016

Question: Looking for what is involved in the surgery for bppv. How long does it take. What are the risks.

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Surgery for BPPV is rarely required.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1. Surgery for BPPV is done for less than 5% of patients with BPPV after all medical treatment has failed.

2. The types of surgery followed in order are:
(a) Trans-tympanic gentamicin injection (chemical labyrinthectomy through ear drum)
(b) Posterior semi-circular canal occlusion (mastoid approach)
(c) Singular nerve section (possible endoscopically)
(d) Vestibular nerve section (mastoid or posterior fossa approach)
(e) Labyrinthectomy (mastoid approach)

3. Except for (a) above, which takes half an hour, the other procedures take two to four hours.

4. Recovery time may take weeks to months and requires vestibular rehabilitation exercises. Minimum expected recovery time is 6 to 8 weeks.

I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.

Regards.

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar