RESUMO
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the curative effect and mechanism of transcutaneous laser disc decompression for the treatment of cervical vertigo.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From October 2000 to October 2004, 42 patients with cervical vertigo were treated with percutaneous laser disc decompression by applying a Nd: YAG laser (wavelength is 1064 nm). The postoperative follow-up period was more than 2 months, the change of patients' vertigo were observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All the patients were followed up. The mean follow-up period was 7.5 months (from 2 to 36 months). After 2 months of postoperative, 28 patients' vertigo disappeared (67%), 6 patients' vertigo improved (14%), 8 patients' vertigo did not improve. The effective rate was 81%, there was no complication (infection and nerve injury).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Cervical intervertebral disc protrusion and cervical spine instability irrigate the neck sympathetic nerve, result in the spasm of vertebral artery, which is the main cause of cervical vertigo. Percutaneous laser disc decompression can decrease intradiscal pressure, increase local temperature, remove the spasm of the vertebral artery. The therapeutic effect for the treatment of cervical vertigo was remarkable.</p>