Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: 10-year experience in treating 592 patients with canalith repositioning procedure

OBJECTIVE: To assess the long-term efficacy of canalith repositioning procedure (CRP) in the treatment of patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). BACKGROUND: Alternative theories for the pathophysiology of BPPV have been redefined in the past few years. CRP is considered to be the standard technique for its management. However, long-term follow-up results have been minimally reported in the literature. PATIENTS/METHODS: Five hundred ninety-two patients, 290 (49%) men and 302 (51%) women, were enrolled in this prospective study; their ages ranged from 18 to 84 (mean 59) years. At the time of their first examination, patients reported the duration of symptoms varied from 1 day to 18 months. Inclusion criteria were patient history compatible with BPPV and positive provocative maneuver (either Dix-Hallpike or Roll test). A variant of Epley and Barbeque maneuver was used. The Epley maneuver was used for posterior and anterior canal involvement, and "Barbeque roll" was used for horizontal canal involvement. Short-term follow-up was obtained 48 hours and 7 days after initial treatment, whereas long-term follow-up was obtained at repeated 6 month intervals. RESULTS: The posterior semicircular canal was involved in 521 (88%) patients treated, whereas the horizontal and anterior semicircular canals were involved in 59 (10%) and 12 (2%) patients, respectively. Symptoms subsided immediately in 497 (84%) patients. In 77 (13%) patients, the Dix-Hallpike maneuver remained positive after 48 hours, and CRP was performed again. Patients' mean follow-up was 46 months; 544 (92%) of 592 patients treated reported no symptoms of vertigo. CONCLUSION: Our data, based on long-term follow-up, suggest that CRP remains an efficient and long-lasting noninvasive treatment for BPPV.     

Epley's canalith-repositioning manoeuvre for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

The efficacy of the Epley's canalith-repositioning manoeuvre in the treatment of BPPV was assessed in this prospective study of 62 patients. Patients were selected based on symptoms of positional vertigo and positive Dix-Hallpike's positional test. Patients were divided into two groups; first group comprising 34 patients underwent Epley's manoeuvre alone where as the other group comprising 28 patients underwent Epley's manoeuvre along with mastoid oscillator. At the end of 1 month patients were assessed subjectively by visual analogue scale (VAS) and objectively by Dix-Hallpike's positional test. On VAS, 85.7% patients had complete resolution of symptoms of BPPV in both the groups. Objectively 88.2% did not have positional nysfagmus after 1 month in first group whereas in the second group 86% had complete response at the end of 1 month of therapy. Follow up of 6 months could be done in 38 patients, out of which 7 (18.4%) had recurrence of their symptom of vertigo and positive Dix-Hallpike's positional test, whereas one patient continued to have no relief by Epley's manoeuvre. There was no difference in subjective and objective parameters even when CRP was performed using mastoid vibrator.     

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo after stapedectomy

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) following stapedectomy in a patient group and the efficacy of the Epley maneuver in this group. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study in a university-based tertiary referral system. METHODS: The patient group comprised 63 patients who had undergone stapedectomy; a control group consisted of normal healthy individuals with no otolaryngological complaints. All individuals underwent the Dix-Hallpike maneuver for the diagnosis of BPPV. Patients who exhibited vertigo, torsional nystagmus (which reverses its direction on return to sitting position) preceded by a latent period, and the fatigability of these findings were considered to have BPPV. If the test result was positive, they underwent the Epley therapeutic maneuver. RESULTS: Four of the patients who had undergone a stapedectomy showed characteristic findings of BPPV. No individual in the control group had BPPV. All patients responded well to the Epley maneuver. CONCLUSIONS: Stapedectomy may be regarded as an etiological factor in BPPV. Because the fenestra is located in the posterior part of the stapes footplate, the pathophysiology appears to be related to utricular rather than saccular trauma. Correct measurement of the distance between the incus and stapes footplate is essential in stapedectomy. An Internet survey of the relevant literature in English shows a scarcity of publications on the incidence of BPPV following stapedectomy. In the present study, 63 patients who had undergone a stapedectomy were investigated for the presence of BPPV; all had Dix-Hallpike maneuvers performed for the diagnosis. Sixty-three individuals with no otolaryngological complaints made up the control group. Four of the patients who had undergone stapedectomy showed characteristic findings of BPPV, and no individual in the control group had BPPV; the difference between the two groups was statistically significant. All four of the patients diagnosed with BPPV responded well to the Epley maneuver. The pathophysiology appears to be related to utricular trauma. Correct measurement of the distance between the incus and stapes footplate is essential in stapedectomy.     

正中悬头位Dix-Hallpike法诊断良性阵发性位置性眩晕

目的评价正中悬头位Dix-Hallpike诱发检查法在诊断后半规管良性阵发性位置性眩晕(benign paroxysmal positional vertigo,BPPV)中的意义。方法回顾性总结广东省人民医院耳鼻咽喉科眩晕门诊2008年4月1日到5月29日根据经典或者正中悬头位Dix-Hallpike法诊断为后半规管BPPV患者28例的临床资料,均首先进行正中悬头位Dix-Hallpike诱发试验,如结果为阴性后继续行经典Dix-Hallpike检测证实为后半规管性BPPV。比较正中悬头位Dix-Hallpike相对于经典Dix-Hallpike的阳性率。结果28例后半规管BPPV患者中,正中悬头位Dix-Hallpike诱发试验相对于经典Dix-Hallpike诱发实验的阳性率为78.57%(22/28)。结论正中悬头位Dix-Hallpike法诊断BPPV可以有效地简化诊治程序,并减轻部分患者诱发的眩晕及眼震强度,具有一定的临床意义。但由于其阳性率低于经典方法,故在临床上不能完全代替经典方法。     

良性阵发性位置性眩晕的眼震图研究

目的:探讨视频眼震图(VNG)在良性阵发性位置性眩晕(BPPV)中的应用价值。方法:回顾126例BPPV患者的VNG资料,分析总结各型BPPV在Dix-Hallpike和滚转试验中VNG上的眼震特点。结果:126例BPPV患者中,后半规管BPPV(PSC-BPPV)98例(77.8%),水平半规管BPPV(HSC-BPPV)17例(13.5%),前半规管BPPV(ASC-BPPV)5例(3.9%),混合型BPPV6例(4.8%);28例PSC-BPPV记录到反转相眼震。VNG上显示PSC和ASC管石症Dix-Hallpike悬头位垂直相眼震分别向上、向下,水平相眼震均向对侧,回到坐位时眼震反向。HSC-BPPV滚转试验向两侧转头均可诱发出眼震,眼震与转头方向相同时,可判断为HSC管石症,以能够诱发较强眼震的转头侧为患侧;眼震与转头方向相反时,则为HSC嵴顶结石症,以能够诱发较弱眼震的转头侧为患侧。结论:VNG能够客观地记录BPPV患者的眼震情况,准确判断耳石所在的半规管,并且保存了眼震数据资料,可以进一步指导临床实践,值得推广。     

The Epley manoeuvre for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo – a systematic review

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a syndrome characterized by short‐lived episodes of vertigo in association with rapid changes in head position. Current treatment approaches include rehabilitative exercises and physical manoeuvres including the Epley manouevre. Randomized clinical trials of the Epley manoeuvre were identified. Outcome measures that were considered include: frequency and severity of attacks of vertigo; proportion of patients improved by each intervention; and conversion of a ‘positive’ Dix–Hallpike test to a ‘negative’ Dix–Hallpike test. Patients who received the Epley manoeuvre were more likely to have complete resolution of their symptoms [odds ratio 4.92 (95% C.I. 1.84–13.16)], and more likely to convert from a positive to negative Dix–Hallpike test [odds ratio 5.67 (95% C.I. 2.21–14.56)]. There were no serious adverse effects of treatment. There is some evidence that the Epley manouevre is a safe effective treatment for posterior canal BPPV.     

继发于突发性聋的良性阵发性位置性眩晕的临床治疗分析

目的　回顾性分析继发于突发性聋的良性阵发性位置性眩晕（benign paroxysmal positional vertigo,BPPV）患者的临床表现,并探讨其可能的发病机制,探索合适的诊断与治疗方案。方法　观察218例突发性聋患者中BPPV的发病情况和临床治疗效果,另有37例同期原发性BPPV作为对照组。所有患者均经Dix-Hallpike实验和Barbecue滚转检查确定诊断,继发性BPPV患者的原发病（突发性聋）符合中华医学会耳鼻咽喉头颈外科学分会制定的诊断标准。按照BPPV类型,进行Epley手法复位或Barbecue翻滚手法治疗,并评价治疗效果。结果　218例突发性聋患者中有9l例出现BPPV,发生率41.7%,均为同侧患耳。BPPV经耳石复位,其中1次治愈62例（68.1%）,2次治愈16例（17.6%）,3次治愈13例（14.3%）。随访6～22个月,高频听力改善均不及低频,外半规管型BPPV复发2例,后半规管型复发5例,经过再次复位后治愈。继发性BPPV与原发性BPPV均经手法复位治愈,疗效相似。结论　BPPV可继发于突发性聋,且突发性聋继发BPPV可达41.7%,其中以后半规管BPPV常见,耳石复位治疗是最为有效的治疗方法,治愈率与原发性BPPV相似。     

顽固性良性阵发性位置性眩晕的发病机制及治疗

目的 回顾性分析我科门诊及住院患者中顽固性良性阵发性位置性眩晕的患者,分析发病因素及治疗手段,为顽固性良性阵发性位置性眩晕的发病机理及治疗提供新思路.方法 收集2010年1月-2010年12月我科门诊诊断为顽固性良性阵发性位置性眩晕的患者16人,分析发病因素、治疗手段及预后.结果 16例患者经手法复位、体位训练及药物辅助治疗后,眩晕症状基本消失,随访半年未再发作.结论 顽固性良性阵发性位置性眩晕发病机制可能与内耳缺血、运动及活动减少有关,我们采用保守治疗的方法,疗效满意.     

Effectiveness of treatment techniques in 923 cases of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

OBJECTIVE: To present treatment effectiveness of 923 consecutive cases of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) using canalith repositioning, liberatory, and log roll maneuvers combined with redistribution exercises. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case review. METHODS: Patients presented with either posterior semicircular canal (P-SCC) BPPV or horizontal semicircular canal (H-SCC) BPPV. Diagnosis was based on patient history of transient paroxysmal vertigo and a positive Dix-Hallpike response with either torsional or horizontal nystagmus. Patients with P-SCC BPPV numbered 840, and 83 patients had H-SCC BPPV. In the original study, there were 1,000 patients; however, 77 patients were dropped from the study because of lack of follow-through. Intervention was canalith repositioning, liberatory maneuvers, log roll maneuvers, and redistribution exercises. Patients numbering 607 were treated with canalith repositioning, 233 patients had liberatory maneuvers, and 83 received log roll maneuvers. All patients received redistribution exercises before treatment maneuvers. After intervention, patients were reassessed at 6 months. RESULTS: There were 601 women and 322 men from ages 12 to 94 (median 55) years. The average duration of symptoms before intervention was 30 months. Outcome measures were considered met when symptoms of BPPV had abated and patients demonstrated a negative Dix-Hallpike response. In the repositioning group, 94% of patients were symptom free or improved, 98% in the liberatory maneuver group and 100% in the log roll group. The average number of sessions was three for all groups. Recurrence of symptoms was demonstrated in 140 (16%) patients at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of BPPV can be effective using either repositioning, liberatory, or log roll maneuvers in combination with redistribution exercises.     

The canalith repositioning maneuver in patients with benign positional vertigo

The canalith repositioning maneuver (CRM), as defined by Epley, can be an effective treatment for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). The staff at Başkent University’s Ear Nose and Throat Clinic performed CRM on 68 cases of canalithiasis in 64 BPPV patients from June 1996 to August 1997. Symptoms resolved after the first session in 49 patients (72%) and after the second session in 11 cases (16.2%). It was necessary to repeat the maneuver three times in two cases (2.9%) and four times in one patient (1.5%). Discounting three patients who were lost to follow-up, only two patients in our study did not respond to CRM treatment. There was no co-existing pathology found in all but two of the patients studied. Our experience indicates that unless there is no response to CRM or there is suspicion of an incorrect diagnosis, it is not necessary to perform diagnostic studies routinely for differentiating other neuro-otologic disorders prior to using CRM in BPPV patients diagnosed by the Dix-Hallpike test. Received: 10 November 1998 / Accepted: 4 March 1999     

水平半规管良性阵发性位置性眩晕的诊断

目的探讨水平半规管良性阵发性位置性眩晕（BPPV）的诊断。方法自2003年1月至2006年9月，本眩晕中心共确诊为水平半规管BPPV（HSC BPPV）患者46例。诊断依据为典型的病史及用红外视频眼震电图仪记录患者在Dix—Hallpike试验和滚转试验中的眼震结果，并排除其他疾病。研究HSC BPPV的眼震特点。结果441例诊断为BPPV患者中，46例（10．43％）为水平半规管BPPV。其中38例（82．61％）为单侧病变，5例（10．87％）患者合并同侧后半规管病变，3例（6．52％）为双侧病变。35例患者通过两种试验诱发出水平眼震，11例患者仅通过滚转试验诱发出水平眼震。25例患者眼震方向向地，13例患者眼震方向背地，3例患者眼震方向不固定，5例患者各种手法诱发出同一方向的眼震。29例患者在双侧手法中出现眼震，17例患者在一侧手法中出现眼震。结论HSC BPPV眼震为完全水平性且多为快相向地。通常受累耳在双侧手法中均可出现眼震，以向患侧为重。一侧水平半规管和后半规管可同时受累。滚转试验在HSC BPPV检查中比Dix—Hallpike试验更加敏感。Dix—Hallpike试验结合滚转试验可使更多的HSCBPPV患者得到确诊．     

Recurrent benign paroxysmal positional vertigo in two DFNB16 siblings: A CARE case report

IntroductionDeletions or variants of the STRC gene coding for stereocilin cause congenital bilateral mild-to-moderate sensorineural hearing loss without vestibular disorder: DFNB16. Stereocilin is a protein present in vestibular kinocilia embedded in the otoconial membrane of the utricular macula. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a rare form of vertigo in children. The present study reports recurrent positional vertigo in two DFNB16 siblings.ObservationTwo patients, 10 and 15 years old, presented with recurrent disabling positional vertigo episodes, triggered by turning over in bed, with a falling sensation. The diagnosis of right posterior canal BPPV was confirmed on Dix-Hallpike maneuvers in one of the patients. Variations in the response of ocular vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials were observed. Probable BPPV was diagnosed in the second patient. Their other two siblings did not have hearing loss or vertigo.ConclusionThe absence of stereocilin due to homozygous deletions of the STRC gene in DFNB16 patients can cause vestibular dysfunction, including BPPV.     

Low 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in postmenopausal female patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

Objective: Several studies have reported the association of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) with vitamin D deficiency. This study aimed to evaluate serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25 (OH) D) levels in native Chinese postmenopausal women with de novo idiopathic BPPV and to investigate the possible relationship between the occurrence of BPPV and low 25 (OH) D levels.

Methods: This retrospective study comprised of 85 postmenopausal women with de novo idiopathic BPPV and 80 age-matched healthy controls. All subjects had bone mineral density (BMD) and serum 25 (OH) D levels measurements recorded, and the results were compared.

Results: The prevalence of reduced BMD (T score?p?=?.004). The mean serum 25 (OH) D levels were also significantly lower in female patients with BPPV than in healthy controls (19.1?±?5.2 vs. 22.5?±?5.8, p?p?=?.031).

Conclusion: Our study suggests that low 25 (OH) D may be a risk factor for BPPV in postmenopausal women.     

A possible objective test to detect benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. The role of the caloric and video-head impulse tests in the diagnosis

Background:Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo(BPPV)is characterized by vertigo lasting from seconds to minutes,induced by head movements.Objectives:Our study aimed to investigate the clinical significance of the caloric vestibular and video head-impulse tests(vHIT)diagnosing the disorder.Methods:68 patients suffering from posterior canal BPPV(25 male,43 females,mean age±SD,54.5±13.2 years)and 56 patients with a normal functioning vestibular system as control were investigated.Bithermal caloric test and vHIT was performed during the same medical check-up.Canal paresis(CP%),gain(GA)and asymmetry(GA%)parameters were calculated.Results:The Dix-Hallpike manoeuvre was only positive in 4%of this population.The CP%parameter was only pathologic in two patients,and there was no significant difference between control and BPPV patients(p=0.76).The GA value was never under 0.8 in this population,but GA%was abnormal in 63.2%.A significant difference comparing the GA%values to the control group was seen(p=0.034).There was no correlation detected between the CP%and GA%values in BPPV.Regarding the GA%value,61%sensitivity and 76%specificity was seen.Conclusion:The Dix-Hallpike manoeuvre was not often positive in the non-acute phase of BPPV;therefore,objective testing is essential.The caloric test does not have clinical significance in BPPV,but vHIT can be helpful based on the GA%parameter。     

165例良性阵发性位置性眩晕患者管石复位治疗疗效观察

目的评估BPPV患者管石复位治疗短期和长期疗效。方法回顾分析了后半规管和上半规管BPPV患者165例，男53例、女112例，年龄范围18岁至84岁（平均53岁），分为2组，手法复位治疗（治疗组）125例，非手法复位（对照组）40例。结果治疗组中，后半规管BPPV患者81例，上半规管BPPV患者31例，双侧后半规管BPPV13例。65岁以上老年BPPV患者41例。治疗结果分析．治疗组首次治愈83人（66．4％），其中后半规管BPPV60人（74．1％），上半规管BPPV14人（45．2％），双侧后半规管BPPV9人（69．2％），老年BPPV32人（78．0％）。对照组16人（40％）在一周后症状消失。在4个月至41个月的随访中，治疗组和对照组治愈率分别为92％和82．5％。有30人（24％）在随访中复发。有2例病史超过40个月的患者，手法复位治疗无效而进行后半规管阻塞术。结论手法复位治疗BPPV患者是一种非常有效的方法，它能有效的缩短病程，减轻患者痛苦，其方法简单、易行且费用低，可以在临床广泛使用。     

Time Course of Recovery After Epley Maneuvers for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

The canalith repositioning maneuver (CRP) of Epley is an effective treatment for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). While CRP has been advocated by some as a “single treatment” for BPPV, others have had less uniform results for this self-limited disorder. In order to better define the role of CRP in relieving vertigo, we studied the time course of recovery in 27 consecutive cases of BPPV. We recorded nystagmus after each head maneuver and at each evaluation until complete resolution took place, using absence of nystagmus as a strict criterion for cure. We found that while 93% of patients improved, many had persistent nystagmus at the first evaluation, and in only 63% was resolution clearly related to a CRP session. We believe that in certain cases, the effect of CRP may be due to adaptive conditioning, rather than particle redistribution.     

Persistent positional nystagmus

Involvement of the superior semicircular canal (SSC) in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is rare. SSC BPPV is distinguished from the more common posterior semicircular canal (PSC) variant by the pattern of nystagmus triggered by the Dix-Hallpike position: down-beating torsional nystagmus in SSC BPPV versus up-beating torsional nystagmus in PSC BPPV. SSC BPPV may be readily treated at the bedside, which is a key component in excluding central causes of down-beating nystagmus. We present an unusual video case report believed to represent refractory SSC BPPV based on the pattern of nystagmus and the absence of any other central signs.     

The Epley manoeuvre for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo--a systematic review

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a syndrome characterized by short-lived episodes of vertigo in association with rapid changes in head position. Current treatment approaches include rehabilitative exercises and physical manoeuvres including the Epley manouevre. Randomized clinical trials of the Epley manoeuvre were identified. Outcome measures that were considered include: frequency and severity of attacks of vertigo; proportion of patients improved by each intervention; and conversion of a 'positive' Dix-Hallpike test to a 'negative' Dix-Hallpike test. Patients who received the Epley manoeuvre were more likely to have complete resolution of their symptoms [odds ratio 4.92 (95% C.I. 1.84-13.16)], and more likely to convert from a positive to negative Dix-Hallpike test [odds ratio 5.67 (95% C.I. 2.21-14.56)]. There were no serious adverse effects of treatment. There is some evidence that the Epley manouevre is a safe effective treatment for posterior canal BPPV.     

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo without nystagmus: diagnosis and treatment

Nystagmus tests to diagnose BPPV are still relevant in the clinical evaluation of BPPV. However, in everyday practice, there are cases of vertigo caused by head movements, which do not follow this sign in the Dix-Hallpike maneuver and the turn test.AimTo characterize BPPV without nystagmus and treatment for it.Materials and methodsA non-systematic review of diagnosis and treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) without nystagmus in the PubMed, SciELO, Cochrane, BIREME, LILACS and MEDLINE databases in the years between 2001 and 2009.ResultsWe found nine papers dealing with BPPV without nystagmus, whose diagnoses were based solely on clinical history and physical examination. The treatment of BPPV without nystagmus was made by Epley maneuvers, Sémont, modified releasing for posterior semicircular canal and Brandt-Daroff exercises.ConclusionFrom 50% to 97.1% of the patients with BPPV without nystagmus had symptom remission, while patients with BPPV with nystagmus with symptom remission ranged from 76% to 100%. These differences may not be significant, which points to the need for more studies on BPPV without nystagmus.