Results of singular neurectomy in the posterior ampullary recess.

Objective: To determine the effect on hearing and balance symptoms following singular neurectomy (SN) for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) in the ampullary recess of the posterior semicircular canal.

Research Design: The charts of 242 patients with chronic disabling BPPV who were treated with SN over a 29-year period (1972-2001) were reviewed. The results on relief of BPPV and hearing function were recorded.

The three faces of vestibular ganglionitis.

We present temporal bone and clinical evidence that common syndromes of recurrent vertigo are caused by a viral infection of the vestibular ganglion. In the present series, histopathologic and radiologic changes in the vestibular ganglion and meatal ganglion were consistent with a viral inflammation of ganglion cells in cases of Meniere's disease, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, and vestibular neuronitis. Clinical observations of multiple neuropathies involving cranial nerves V, VII, and VIII on the same side in patients with recurrent vertigo are best explained by a cranial polyganglionitis caused by a neurotrophic virus, which is reactivated by a stressful event later in life.