Success of Posterior Semicircular Canal Occlusion and Application of the Dizziness Handicap Inventory
Presented at the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA, September 26-29, 2005.
Objectives
To determine the long-term efficacy and patient satisfaction of posterior semicircular canal occlusion (PSCO) as a treatment for intractable benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).
Study design and setting
Retrospective analysis of patients with BPPV who underwent PSCO was conducted in a tertiary referral center. Demographic data, clinical records, and audiometric data were reviewed. Dix-Hallpike maneuver, dizziness handicap inventory (DHI), and a specific PSCO questionnaire (PCOQ) were used to measure outcome.
Results
Twenty-eight patients underwent PSCO. The mean follow-up time was 40 months. All patients had normalization of the Hallpike test. DHI scores of 20 patients were recorded. The mean preoperative score was 70 compared with postoperative mean of 13 (P < 0.001). Mild hearing loss was found in 1 patient.
Conclusions and significance
PSCO is highly successful. The DHI scores postoperatively show significant improvement. The PCOQ revealed an overall 85% patient satisfaction rate. PSCO is a safe and effective intervention for intractable BPPV with a high patient satisfaction rate.
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