The Dix-Hallpike test and the canalith repositioning maneuver

The Dix-Hallpike test and the canalith repositioning maneuver (CRM) are used to diagnose and treat benign positional vertigo (BPV). Dix-Hallpike is the standard procedure for diagnosis of BPV, but if the horizontal canal is not tested for BPV and the Dix-Hallpike is only carried out once, the condition may not be diagnosed and appropriately treated. We describe our method of testing for BPV and treating it with CRM. The Dix-Hallpike test involves rapidly moving the patient from a sitting position to "head hanging," where the patient's head is at least 10 degrees below horizontal. This is performed initially for the posterior semicircular canals. If these movements fail to elicit vertigo and nystagmus, tests of the horizontal semicircular canals are performed by laying the patient on each side. Importantly, if there is no vertigo or nystagmus elicited by testing the horizontal semi-circular canals, the posterior semicircular canals are tested again. It appears that being held in the head hanging positions and then left and right lateral positions will often allow the canaliths to collect such that the Dix-Hallpike test will become positive. Failure to repeat the tests of the posterior semicircular canals may result in a falsely negative test. Testing the horizontal canals and repeating the Dix-Hallpike test will reduce the likelihood of patients undergoing extra testing or other consequences of misdiagnosis. If, during any of this testing, a movement elicits vertigo or nystagmus, the appropriate CRM is then carried out.     

Diagnosis and therapeutic options in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is one of the most common and treatable causes of vertigo. We examined BPPV types and the effectiveness of physical therapy in each type. BPPV is caused by a utricular statoconium that blocks the semicircular canal. Statoconia can block any of the semicircular canals, but they generally affects the posterior canal. Diagnosis is based on a typical history and characteristic eye movements elicited by the Dix-Hallpike test. Treatment involves a physical maneuver designed to mobilize the free calcium particles from the semicircular canal to the utricle. Canalith repositioning is the mainstay of treatment. The maneuver is illustrated in detail and other forms of treatment and their indications are discussed.     

Canal switch after canalith repositioning procedure for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

Canal switch is a complication following canalith repositioning procedure (CRP) for posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Instead of being returned to the utricle, the loose otoconia migrate into the superior or horizontal semicircular canal. Patients remain symptomatic, and treatment can be ineffective unless the switch is recognized and additional repositioning maneuvers directed toward the appropriate semicircular canal are performed. This report provides the first videographic documentation of canal switch involving conversion of unilateral posterior semicircular canal BPPV to geotropic horizontal canalithiasis. Laryngoscope, 2012.     

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo due to a simultaneous involvement of both horizontal and posterior semicircular canals

From April 2001 to November 2003, we investigated 8 patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) that was suspected to simultaneously affect both the horizontal and posterior semicircular canals (HSCC and PSCC). These cases showed typical vertical-torsional nystagmus induced by the Dix-Hallpike maneuver, followed by a horizontal nystagmus. They also showed a direction-changing geotropic or apogeotropic positional nystagmus triggered by lateral head rotations in the supine position. Using the three-dimensional analysis of the positional nystagmus, the rotation axis of the positional nystagmus had a component perpendicular to the plane of PSCC and another component perpendicular to the plane of HSCC. All these findings suggest that BPPV in these patients was a combination of posterior and horizontal canal BPPV. The observation of a vertical-torsional positional nystagmus should prompt the specialist to perform not only the canalith repositioning procedure, but also to execute lateral head turns in the supine position.     

Horizontal canal paroxysmal positional vertigo (HCPPV) vs classical BPPV (new concepts about mechanism and domiciliary repositioning of particles)

Some new modificutiont of existing diagnostic and therapeutic manoeuvres (repositioning of particles) have been proposed, basing an the applications of the principles of hydrodynamics, inertial and gravitational forces in the semicircular canals. The above has been tried successfully on patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and horizontal eanal paroxysmal positional vertigo (HCPPV) which can be executed by the patients themselves at home without the kelp of a therapist. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a well-established entity whereas Horizontal Canal Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (HCPPV) is a recently proposed one. In positional vertigo any canal may be involved. It is quite possible that in the past this diagnosis (HCPPV) was missed in many of the cases of positional vertigo. Kapfschuttel nystagmus (head-shaking nystanmas) is induced by side to side (to and fro) movements of the head around a vertical axis in the plane of the horizontal semicircular canal which is thought to be sensitise the labyrinth, Any manoeuvres that in induce nystagmus with or without vertino is hound to he a manifestation of an organic lesion and not a non-organic one. In a number of instances the postionul test Jor BPPV may yield negative results; but doing this test after kopfschuttel test a dormant positional nystagmus may appear on the surface i.e. uncovered in a number of cases which may have remained undetected if Kopfschutlel manoeuvre were not done. This implies- that by Kopfsi huttel test both the horizontal and vertical canals are sensitised. Moreover, Kopfschuttel nystaagmus is likely to be a manifestation of the horizontal canal stimulation, at leastin some cases, since the movements are executed in the plane of the horizontal canal (vide infra) when displaced otoconia impinges on the cupula /. crista bringing about its stimulation leading to vertigo and or nystagmus.     

良性阵发性位置性眩晕的临床特征分析

目的分析总结良性阵发性位置性眩晕(BPPV)的临床诊治经验。方法对131例BPPV患者进行详细的病史调查,回顾性分析131例良性阵发性位置性眩晕患者的临床资料,并追踪随访3个月。结果 131例患者中,男51例,女80例,年龄20～82岁,平均47.7岁,其中单侧后半规管BPPV患者75例,单侧水平半规管BPPV39例,单侧水平嵴顶结石BPPV4例,前半规管BPPV1例,混合型BPPV8例,主观性BPPV3例。其中,原发性BPPV103例,继发性BPPV28例。结论 BPPV患者有其自身的临床特征,通过对其临床特征的认识和把握,选择合适的治疗方法,指导临床实践。     

Multiple positional nystagmus suggests multiple canal involvement in benign paroxysmal vertigo

CONCLUSION: Video-oculography demonstrates a higher occurrence of atypical positional nystagmus in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). This includes anterior and horizontal canal variants and multiple positional nystagmus, suggesting combined lesions affecting several canals. OBJECTIVE: To analyse the video-oculographic findings of positional tests in patients with BPPV. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy individuals with symptoms of BPPV and positional nystagmus were included in this study. The diagnosis was based on a history of brief episodes of vertigo and the presence of positional nystagmus as confirmed by video-oculographic examination during the Dix-Hallpike test, the McClure test or the head-hanging manoeuvre. Patients were treated by means of different particle repositioning manoeuvres according to the affected canal (Epley's manoeuvre for the posterior or anterior canals and Lempert's manoeuvre for the lateral canal) and the effectiveness was evaluated at 7 and 30 days. RESULTS: Twenty-nine individuals (41.43%) presented an affected unilateral posterior canal. Fifteen patients (21.43%) presented a pure horizontal direction-changing positional nystagmus consistent with a diagnosis of horizontal canal BPPV. Twelve individuals (17.14%) presented a unilateral down-beating nystagmus, suggesting possible anterior canal BPPV. In addition, 14 patients (20%) showed multiple positional nystagmus during the examination corresponding to simultaneous multi-canal BPPV, 5 had bilateral posterior canal BPPV and 2 presented a positional down-beating nystagmus in both left and right Dix-Hallpike manoeuvres and the head-hanging manoeuvre, which is highly suggestive of anterior canal BPPV. However, seven individuals showed positional horizontal and vertical side-changing nystagmus that could not be explained by single-canal BPPV. These patients with multiple positional nystagmus showed changing patterns of positional nystagmus at follow-up.     

Persistent vertigo following particle repositioning maneuvers: an analysis of causes

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the causes of persistent vertigo following treatment with particle repositioning maneuvers (PRMs) in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. DESIGN: Prospective study of outcomes in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. STUDY SETTING: Outpatient clinic of a tertiary care referral center. PATIENTS: A sample of 90 consecutive patients with documented benign paroxysmal positional vertigo of the posterior semicircular canal who had persistent vertigo after at least 3 sessions of PRMs during a period of 2 weeks. INTERVENTION: Particle repositioning using a modified Epley maneuver. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Persistent vertigo following at least 3 sessions of PRMs over a period of 2 weeks. RESULTS: Seven patients showed partial or no improvement following treatment. The causes subsequently determined included coincident horizontal canal positional vertigo (2 cases), Ménière's disease (2 cases), persistent posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo in association with cervical spondylosis (2 cases), and a posterior fossa meningioma (1 case). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with persistent or frequently recurring positional vertigo following treatment with PRMs should undergo detailed investigation to exclude coincidental pathology for which specific treatment is required. In patients in whom no coincident pathology requiring therapy is identified, treatment options other than the PRM already instituted should be considered.     

外半规管良性阵发性位置性眩晕的诊疗

良性阵发性位置性眩晕(benign paroxysmal positional vertigo,BPPV)是最常见的周围性眩晕,主要表现为随头位变化出现的短暂性眩晕发作,该病分为后半规管型、外半规管型、上半规管型及多半规管.其中后半规管BPPV最常见,其次为外半规管BPPVo外半规管BPPV根据发病机制、原理、眼震方向等有多种分类方法.近年来外半规管BPPV的手法复位逐渐被熟悉,但一些患者复位后效果不佳,如外半规管嵴帽结石症,部分患者行常规手法复位后发作性眩晕仍然存在.我们将这部分手法复位后眩晕症状改善不明显的类型归结为难治型外半规管嵴帽结石症.本文主要围绕外半规管BPPV的概念及分类、流行病学、病因、发病机制、诊断及复位方法,尤其对于难治型外半规管嵴帽结石症的复位方法做一综述.     

半规管阻塞技术的初步临床应用

目的初步探讨临床应用半规管阻塞技术治疗位置性眩晕与梅尼埃病的安全性与有效性。方法回顾性分析1994-2000年间半规管阻塞技术临床应用的资料,其中,后半规管位置性眩晕2例,水平半规管位置性眩晕1例,内淋巴囊阻塞术后5年复发的梅尼埃病1例,男1例,女3例,年龄39-58岁。梅尼埃病患者行三半规管阻塞及内淋巴乳突腔分流术,位置性眩晕患者行相应的半规管阻塞术。结果位置性眩晕患者术后随访1.5-7年,全部患者位置性眩晕得到解除,术后纯音测听、中耳功能分析、听觉脑干电反应测试、耳声发射等听觉功能检查结果显示耳蜗功能与术前完全一致,水平半规管阻塞的患者双耳冷热试验结果显示手术消除了水平半规管的功能,后半规管阻塞的患者双耳冷热试验结果显示手术后以水平半规管为代表的其它前庭末梢器官的功能得到良好的保存。内淋巴囊阻塞术后5年复发的梅尼埃病患者术后随访2年,眩晕得到完全控制。结论半规管阻塞技术可有效控制位置性眩晕与梅尼埃病患者的眩晕,半规管阻塞对患者耳蜗功能及所阻塞半规管以外的其它前庭末梢器官功能没有影响,半规管阻塞技术可望成为位置性眩晕和梅尼埃病安全、有效的治疗手段,符合现代外科学对手术微创的要求。     

Variables affecting treatment in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

OBJECTIVE: To identify variables affecting outcome in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) treated with canalith repositioning maneuvers. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of patients at a tertiary vestibular rehabilitation center. METHODS: Variables identified for statistical analysis included method of diagnosis, age, sex, onset association with trauma, semicircular canal involvement, presence of bilateral disease, treatment visits, and cycles of canalith repositioning maneuvers per treatment visit. Multivariate statistical analysis using Pearson chi2, likelihood ratio, linear-by-linear association, and cross-tabulation tests were performed. RESULTS: Two hundred fifty-nine patients with BPPV who received treatment were identified from 1996 to 1998. Average follow-up time was 16.9 months. 74.8% required one treatment visit, 19.0% required a second treatment visit, and 98.4% were successfully treated after three treatment visits. The remainder required up to seven treatment visits for relief of symptoms. Variables affecting the number of treatment visits included bilateral disease or location of disease other than in the posterior semicircular canal. Patient age, sex, method of diagnosis, and onset association with trauma had no statistically significant impact. CONCLUSION: Patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo not located in a single posterior semicircular canal are more likely to require multiple visits for canalith repositioning.     

Long-term postural abnormalities in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a disorder in which patients suffer from acute rotatory vertigo due to the presence of free otoconial debris migrating into one or more semicircular canals during head movements and resulting in abnormal stimulation of the ampullary crest. A prolonged loss of equilibrium of unclear origin is also present. Static posturography is a useful tool for the study of postural control systems and their role in these abnormalities. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the frequency of body sway and long-term instability of BPPV patients by posturography frequency analysis. Twenty patients with canalithiasis of the posterior semicircular canal and 20 normal controls were subjected to static posturography. Informed consent was obtained from all subjects. Patients were tested 1 h after diagnosis, and 3 days and 12 weeks after the characteristic Epley repositioning maneuver. Patients with BPPV showed significantly increased body sway both on lateral (X) and anteroposterior (Y) planes compared to normal subjects. Corporal oscillation with a broad-frequency spectrum was observed in both closed and open eye tests. The repositioning maneuver decreased the X plane body sway, while the anteroposterior sway was unchanged. Twelve weeks after treatment, a normalization of the anteroposterior sway was observed. Results of this study suggest that the long-term postural disturbance associated with BPPV differs from the acute disequilibrium that subsides after canalith repositioning: the former is a sagittal plane/broad spectrum body sway, while the latter is primarily a frontal plane/low frequency sway. The Epley maneuver was shown to reduce frontal sway, a postural abnormality that might therefore be linked to posterior semicircular canal function. Conversely, the observed sagittal body sway was only partially relieved by the restoration of canal function, and therefore, may be more related to the chronic dizziness observed in these patients.     

Particle repositioning maneuver for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

The recent demonstration of free-floating particles in the endolymph of the posterior semicircular canal in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)¹ has renewed interest in the physiology and treatment of this entity. The particle repositioning maneuver (PRM) relocates the free-floating particles from the posterior semicircular canal back into the utricle, relieving the patient of bothersome, often long-standing vertigo. This report represents a prospective study of 27 consecutive patients seen with a diagnosis of BPPV. Eighty-four percent of the patients treated with the particle repositioning maneuver who had no other associated pathology were cured or significantly improved with this new technique. Two patients who failed conservative management went on to surgical intervention with the posterior semicircular canal occlusion. The authors find the particle repositioning maneuver effective for many patients with benign positional vertigo and recommend it as the first-line treatment modality for BPPV.     

Repositioning maneuver for the treatment of the apogeotropic variant of horizontal canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a new physical maneuver in the treatment of the apogeotropic variant of horizontal canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. STUDY DESIGN: Case review. SETTING: Outpatient clinic. PATIENTS: The diagnosis of apogeotropic horizontal canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo was based on the history of recurrent sudden crisis of vertigo associated with bursts of horizontal apogeotropic paroxysmal nystagmus provoked by turning the head from the supine to either lateral position. The patients were three men and five women ranging in age from 31 to 73 years (average, 49.2 yr). INTERVENTIONS: All patients were treated with a repositioning maneuver based on the hypothesis that the syndrome is caused by the presence of free-floating dense particles inside the endolymph of the anterior arm of the horizontal canal. The maneuver favors their shifting into the posterior arm of the canal. Patients were reexamined immediately after the treatment and underwent Gufoni's liberatory maneuver for the geotropic variant of horizontal canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The treatment outcome was considered as responsive when, after one repositioning maneuver, nystagmus shifted from apogeotropic to geotropic. RESULTS: The repositioning maneuver resulted in a transformation from the apogeotropic variant into a geotropic variant of horizontal canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo in all patients. CONCLUSION: This maneuver represents a simple and effective approach to the treatment of the apogeotropic variant of horizontal canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. It favors the shifting of the canaliths from the anterior into the posterior arm of the horizontal canal from where they can migrate into the utricle with Gufoni's maneuver.     

A cupulolith repositioning maneuver in the treatment of horizontal canal cupulolithiasis

Objective

We evaluated outcomes and their significance of a new treatment method for horizontal canal cupulolithiasis that could be applied regardless of the side of the cupula where otoliths are attached.

Methods

Consecutive 78 patients who showed persistent apogeotropic horizontal canal positional vertigo (horizontal canal cupulolithiasis) were enrolled, and they were treated with the new cupulolith repositioning maneuver.

Results

Horizontal semicircular canal cupulolithiasis was alleviated in 97.4% of patients, after an average of 2.1 repetitions of the maneuver. Otoliths were suspected to be attached to the canal side of the cupula in 30 cases and the utricular side in 44 cases.

Conclusion

The cupulolith repositioning maneuver is an effective method for treating horizontal canal cupulolithiasis. It may also provide an insight into the side of the cupula where otoliths are attached.     

Eficacia de las maniobras de reposicionamiento canalicular en el vértigo posicional paroxístico benigno: revisión de 176 casos tratados en un centro hospitalario de tercer nivel

Introduction and objectives

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is the most common peripheral vertigo disease. The aim of this paper is to review the results obtained with the different specific particle repositioning manoeuvres, evaluating the possible risk factors linked to a poorer prognosis.

Multiple positional nystagmus suggests multiple canal involvement in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

Conclusion. Video-oculography demonstrates a higher occurrence of atypical positional nystagmus in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). This includes anterior and horizontal canal variants and multiple positional nystagmus, suggesting combined lesions affecting several canals. Objective. To analyse the video-oculographic findings of positional tests in patients with BPPV. Material and methods. Seventy individuals with symptoms of BPPV and positional nystagmus were included in this study. The diagnosis was based on a history of brief episodes of vertigo and the presence of positional nystagmus as confirmed by video-oculographic examination during the Dix–Hallpike test, the McClure test or the head-hanging manoeuvre. Patients were treated by means of different particle repositioning manoeuvres according to the affected canal (Epley's manoeuvre for the posterior or anterior canals and Lempert's manoeuvre for the lateral canal) and the effectiveness was evaluated at 7 and 30 days. Results. Twenty-nine individuals (41.43%) presented an affected unilateral posterior canal. Fifteen patients (21.43%) presented a pure horizontal direction-changing positional nystagmus consistent with a diagnosis of horizontal canal BPPV. Twelve individuals (17.14%) presented a unilateral down-beating nystagmus, suggesting possible anterior canal BPPV. In addition, 14 patients (20%) showed multiple positional nystagmus during the examination corresponding to simultaneous multi-canal BPPV, 5 had bilateral posterior canal BPPV and 2 presented a positional down-beating nystagmus in both left and right Dix–Hallpike manoeuvres and the head-hanging manoeuvre, which is highly suggestive of anterior canal BPPV. However, seven individuals showed positional horizontal and vertical side-changing nystagmus that could not be explained by single-canal BPPV. These patients with multiple positional nystagmus showed changing patterns of positional nystagmus at follow-up.     

Clinical features of paroxysmal positional vertigo presenting combined lesions.

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is one of the common vestibular disorders. Canalolithiasis is thought to be a likely lesion. A canalith repositioning procedure (CRP by Epley) generally yields good resolution of vertigo and nystagmus. The authors confirmed the efficacy of this procedure on typical BPPV of the posterior semicircular canal type. We designed a new procedure for BPPV of the lateral canal type, which also yielded satisfactory results. BPPV sometimes presents a nystagmus pattern, which suggests multiple lesions. We have seen eight cases of BPPV showing nystagmus that combines both the posterior and the lateral canal types. Combined CRP was performed on these cases, which again gave good clinical results. Other BPPV cases were associated with central lesions. We must be aware that BPPV may involve multiple canals and may be associated with central lesions.     

Modification of particle replacement in a case of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) of the horizontal canal

A variant of the particle repositioning maneuver was used in a patient diagnosed as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo of the horizontal canal. The patient was treated initially with Lempert's maneuver, but a paradoxical response was elicited by videonystagmography so we had to develop a maneuver adapted to the location of the patients otoliths. The likely physiopathology is discussed in the light of videonystagmographic events.     

Rare complications following stapes operation and their surgical treatment

After stapedectomy otoliths were displaced from the endolymphatic space to the cupula of the posterior semicircular canal and caused a paroxysmal benign positional nystagmus which lasted 18 months. The positional nystagmus demonstrated a rotatory component during the Hallpike manoeuvre. The paroxysmal benign nystagmus disappeared after transtympanic nerve neurectomy of the inferior branch of the vestibular nerve (Gacek 1974). This procedure is only recommended for vertigo lasting longer than 1 year. The current findings support the theory that cupulolithiasis is the cause of paroxysmal benign positional nystagmus which can occur after stapedectomy. The rotatory nystagmus is generated in the posterior semicircular canal.