Effects of postural restriction after modified Epley maneuver on recurrence of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

Objective

In the present study, we calculated the success rate of the modified Epley maneuver and determined the effectiveness of post-maneuver positional restriction in terms of the prevention of early and late recurrence.

Methods

The present study was conducted on 78 patients who had unilateral benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) of the posterior semicircular canal (SCC) and who were treated in the Otorhinolaryngology Department of Susehri State Hospital. The Dix–Hallpike test was performed on all patients. After the involved canal was identified using this test, we guided patients through the modified Epley repositioning maneuver. A maximum of two maneuvers were performed in the same session. The patients were randomly divided into two groups. One group was not advised any positional restriction, while the second group was advised positional restriction for 10 days after the procedure. Recurrences during 1–90 days after the treatment were noted as early recurrences, while those that occurred after 90 days were noted as late recurrences.

Results

In the restriction group (n = 39), repositioning was successful after a single maneuver in 32 (82.05%) patients and after two maneuvers in 5 (12.8%) patients. Repositioning failed in two (5.1%) patients. In the non-restriction group (n = 39), repositioning was successful after a single maneuver in 31 (79.4%) patients and after two maneuvers in 6 (15.3%) patients. Repositioning failed in two (5.1%) patients. Thus, the success rate was 94.8% in each group. Early recurrence occurred in 3 (8.1%) of 37 patients in the restriction group and 2 (5.4%) of 37 patients in the non-restriction group (p > 0.05). Late recurrence occurred in 5 (13.5%) of 37 patients in both the restriction and non-restriction groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Postural restriction after a canalith repositioning procedure does not improve procedural success or decrease early and late recurrence rates. However, the number of patients was too small to detect a difference between both treatment groups.     

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.     

Are postural restrictions after an Epley maneuver unnecessary? First results of a controlled study and review of the literature

Objective

Postural restrictions after canalith repositioning maneuvers (CRM) for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo of the posterior semicircular canal (p-BPPV) have no proven value and therefore most physicians regard them as unnecessary. The aim of this study was to assess the short-term efficacy of head and body movement limitations after a single Epley maneuver. A review of the literature was performed to assess the current level of evidence for the efficacy of postural restrictions.

Materials and methods

Sixty-four patients, median age 59 years (range 37–82 years), with p-BPPV, were allocated either to instructions for movement restrictions or free movements for 48 h after a single Epley maneuver. The minimization method was used for allocation to treatment. This procedure ‘minimizes’ the differences in the distribution of pre-specified prognostic factors (e.g. sex and age) between the two groups of treatment. Minimization was preferred over randomization which is not as effective in balancing baseline characteristics when the number of participants is small. Outcome was assessed by physician and patient reported measures (Dix-Hallpike test, subjective vertigo intensity in a 10-point scale, patient's assessment of improvement) within 1 week after treatment by an independent investigator. The level of statistical significance was 0.05.

Results

More patients with movement restrictions reported a subjective improvement after treatment (p = 0.007). Ninety percent of patients with movement restrictions and 74.2% of patients with free movements had a negative follow up Dix-Hallpike test but the difference was not significant (p = 0.108). The mean pre-treatment vertigo intensity was reduced from 6.07 and 5.97 to 1.18 and 2.86, respectively but the difference was not significant (p = 0.122).

Conclusions

Postural restrictions do not increase the efficacy of the canal-repositioning maneuver despite the fact that patients report a subjective improvement after post-procedural instructions. In the review of the literature, all studies except one conclude that postural restrictions are unnecessary. However, a number of methodological issues such as inadequate sample size are not addressed and more conclusive evidence is required. Based on current evidence, the use of postural restrictions after the canal-repositioning maneuver is unjustified.     

Vibration with the canalith repositioning maneuver: a prospective randomized study to determine efficacy

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: The objective was to determine whether the inclusion of vibration and additional treatment cycles has an effect on short- and long-term success rates in the treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo with the canalith repositioning maneuver. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective randomized study of patients treated at a tertiary vestibular rehabilitation center. METHODS: Variables identified for statistical analysis included patient age, gender, vibration used, and canalith repositioning cycles. Analysis using Student t test, chi2 test, Kaplan-Meier curves with log rank test, and Cox proportional hazards regression was performed. RESULTS: One hundred two patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo treated over a 1-year period (August 2001-August 2002) were randomly assigned to receive the canalith repositioning maneuver with or without vibration. Average duration of follow-up was 9.44 months. The single treatment success rate was 93.1%. To relieve symptoms, 29.4% of patients required more than one canalith repositioning cycle. The relapse rate was 30.5%. Thirty-nine patients were assigned to the canalith repositioning group with vibration, and 63 to the canalith repositioning group without vibration. There was no statistical difference in age, gender, initial success rates, or relapse rates between the canalith repositioning groups with and without vibration. On average, patients required 1.38 canalith repositioning cycles for successful treatment. Vibration did not affect the number of canalith repositioning cycles required to convert the Dix-Hallpike test result to normal. The need for additional canalith repositioning cycles had no statistical effect on initial treatment success or relapse rates. CONCLUSION: Vibration provided no additional benefit in initial treatment success or in reducing long-term relapse rates when included in the canalith repositioning maneuver. Many patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo require more than one canalith repositioning cycle at the time of initial treatment to relieve symptoms, but this does not indicate a higher likelihood for recurrence. No variable predicted a higher rate of recurrence.     

手法复位治疗良性阵发性位置性眩晕

目的回顾性分析60例良性阵发性位置性眩晕（BPPV）诊断和治疗方法,为提高BPPV疗效提供参考依据。方法60例患者（男34例,女26例）通过常规神经耳科学检查、Dix—Hallpike和滚转试验确诊为BPPV。40例在发病10天内就诊,6N在发病1月内就诊,10例在5月内就诊,4例在6月以上就诊。采用Semont摆动手法、Epley颗粒复位法和Barbecue翻滚疗法治疗。对治疗1次无效者间隔7天重复治疗,重复3次无效者采用其它方法治疗。完成冶疗后2周复查评定疗效。结果后半规管BPPV54例,22例采用Semont手法复位治疗,14例痊愈,4例改善,4例无效。4例无效改用Epley颗粒复位法。Epley颗粒复位法治疗36例,28例痊愈,4例改善,4例无效。6例外半规管BPPV采用Barbecue翻滚疗法治疗4例痊愈,2例无效。40例10天内就诊者治愈32例,8例改善。6例发病1月内就诊者治愈2例,改善4例。10例5月内就诊者4例痊愈,4例改善,2例无效。4例6月以上就诊者治疗3次均无效。46例治疗1次有效,4例患者治疗2次有效,4例患者治疗3次有效。结论手法复位治疗BPPV有效率高,BPPV治疗效果与发病至就诊时间相关。     

Our experience with 500 patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: Reexploring aetiology and reevaluating MRI investigation

Objective

To explore the aetiology of and to evaluate the importance of MRI investigation on the posterior semicircular canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo in an Irish population.

Persistent Direction-Fixed Nystagmus Following Canalith Repositioning Maneuver for Horizontal Canal BPPV: A Case of Canalith Jam

The authors report a 64-year-old man who developed persistent direction fixed nystagmus after a canalith repositioning maneuver for horizontal canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (HC-BPPV). The patient was initially diagnosed with right HC-BPPV given that the Dix-Hallpike test showed geotropic horizontal nystagmus that was more pronounced on the right side, although the roll test did not show any positional nystagmus. The patient was treated with a canalith repositioning maneuver (Lempert maneuver). The next day, the patient experienced a different character of dizziness, and left-beating spontaneous nystagmus regardless of head position was observed. After a forced prolonged left decubitus and frequent head shaking, his symptoms and nystagmus resolved. This condition, referred to as canalith jam, can be a complication after the repositioning maneuver in patients with BPPV. Atypical positional tests suggest that abnormal canal anatomy could be the underlying cause of canalith jam.     

三维滚轮耳石复位系统及其临床应用

目的 观察三维滚轮耳石复位系统治疗良性阵发性位置性眩晕的临床效果.方法 回顾性分析40例后半规管和水平半规管良性阵发性位置性眩晕患者的临床资料,其中20例采用三维滚轮耳石复位系统进行复位治疗,20例采用手法复位治疗,对其疗效进行比较.结果 采用三维滚轮耳石复位系统治疗的患者中第1次治疗后有17例(85%)治愈,3例经过第2次治疗痊愈;采用手法复位的患者中第1次治疗后有16例(80%)治愈,4例经过第2次治疗痊愈.应用x2检验二者的差异没有统计学意义.结论 应用三维滚轮耳石复位系统治疗良性阵发性位置性眩晕临床效果可靠,弥补了手法复位的缺陷,效果直观,可重复性强.     

氟桂利嗪联合手法复位治疗后半规管原发性良性阵发性位置性眩晕的临床疗效观察

目的探讨氟桂利嗪联合手法复位治疗后半规管原发性良性阵发性位置性眩晕(posterior semicircular canal benign paroxysman positional vertigo,PC-BPPV)的治疗效果。方法对96例原发性PC-BPPV患者随机分为单纯手法治疗(Epley管石复位法)与联合氟桂利嗪进行治疗,观察治疗效果。结果经1次手法复位治疗后症状消失或明显减轻,一次治愈率两组基本相同。治疗4wk后,治疗组的治愈率为高于对照组(P<0.05)。随访3个月,共计有8例患者复发,总复发率为9.6%,其中治疗组为2.2%,对照组为18.4%。结论 Epley手法复位联合氟桂利嗪治疗PC-BPPV疗效显著,复发率低。     

手法复位治疗良性阵发性位置性眩晕36例

目的 评价体位治疗在良性阵发性位置性眩晕（BPPV）的应用价值。方法 回顾性分析36例原发性或继发性BPPV的临床资料,后半规管BPPV采用改良Epley手法或Semont手法复位,水平半规管采用Barbecue翻滚疗法复位治疗,评价其治疗效果。结果 33例后半规管BPPV患者应用改良Epley手法或Semont手法复位,有效率为93.9%。3例水平半规管BPPV患者采取Barbecue翻滚法复位后症状均明显改善。结论 手法复位治疗良性阵发性位置性眩晕方法简单,疗效可靠,治愈率高。     

良性阵发性位置性眩晕复发临床研究

目的：探讨良性阵发性位置性眩晕（BPPV）的复发原因及临床意义。方法：回顾性分析65例耳石复位法治疗成功后2年内未复发的BPPV及44例耳石复位法治疗成功后2年内复发的BPPV的临床资料、经颅多普勒（TCD）、头颅CT或MRI检查结果。结果：BPPV预后与年龄、偏头痛病史、颅内及颈部动脉狭窄、脑卒中史密切相关。结论：BPPV复发病因较多,但大部分均与不同原因所造成的迷路血液供应障碍相关。了解其复发原因可从患者临床资料、TCD、头颅CT或MRI检查结果对BPPV的复发作一预测,并可针对性作相应干预。     

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.

视频眼震图监视下的良性阵发性位置性眩晕手法复位临床分析

目的探讨良性阵发性位置性眩晕(benignparoxysmal positional vertigo,BPPV)手法复位的临床疗效及视频眼震图在复位中的作用。方法回顾性分析来我科就诊疑似BPPV患者200例,所有患者均分别在裸眼下和视频眼震图下通过变位试验共确诊159例并行手法复位治疗,统计裸眼下与视频眼震图下典型特征眼震的检出率及手法复位的临床治愈率及复发率。结果裸眼下特征眼震的检出率为68.50%,视频眼震图下典型眼震检出率为79.50%。手法复位第一次治愈率为77.99%,总有效率为98.11%,复发率为5.66%,复发患者经再次手法复位后均好转。结论视频眼震图在BPPV诊断及手法复位中起着重要作用,手法复位为治疗BPPV可靠而有效的方法。     

耳石复位法治疗半规管良性阵发性位置性眩晕的临床研究

目的：评价耳石复位法治疗良性阵发性位置性眩晕（BPPV）疗效。方法：回顾分析2002年1月～2005年6月间治疗的230例BPPV患者的临床资料。根据半规管耳石假说,随机分成治疗组122例,对照组108例,分别接受耳石复位法和一般对症治疗。治疗结束后2周复查并评定疗效。结果：治疗组88例眩晕和眼震于治疗后立即或在2周内逐渐消失,18例改善,16例无效,治愈率72．1％,总有效率86．9％。对照组51例立即或在2周内逐渐消失,23例改善,34例无效,治愈率47．2％,总有效率68．5%。两组疗效相比差异有统计学意义。结论：鉴于耳石复位法治疗无明显禁忌证,方法简单,无痛苦和不良反应,一次性治疗疗效高,短期（1～3个月）随访无复发,因此认为该法可作为BPPV门诊治疗的首选方法。     

Sudden hearing loss with simultaneous posterior semicircular canal BPPV: Possible etiology and clinical implications

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to describe the clinical course and outcome of patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) in conjunction with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), and hypothesize the possible pathophysiology of this entity.

Study design

Retrospective study of all patients with evidence of SSNHL with any type of BPPV between 2008 and 2012.

Settings

Tertiary care university hospital.

Subjects and methods

Five patients aged 56 to 71 were diagnosed with unilateral profound SSNHL and BPPV. Neurotologic examination revealed an ipsilateral torsional, up-beating nystagmus on Dix–Hallpike exam. Severe or profound ipsilateral–sensorineural hearing loss was recognized on audiometry. The rest of the exam was normal; this was in keeping with the diagnosis of SSNHL with ipsilateral posterior semicircular canal BPPV.

Results

All patients were treated with a modified Epley maneuver; oral steroids were administered for two weeks. In all cases vertigo resolved and the Dix–Hallpike exam became normal within several weeks. However, the hearing loss remained unchanged in two patients. Magnetic resonance imaging of the head was normal and ENG caloric test demonstrated mild ipsilateral canal paresis in two patients.

Conclusions

1. Patients with SSNHL and BPPV can have a variable clinical course and outcome. This entity may be quite common, but the diagnosis of BPPV can be missed if a complete neurological physical examination is not performed. 2. Arterial occlusions or selective multiple vascular or neural involvement may explain the pathophysiology of SSNHL with BPPV of the posterior semicircular canal.     

Spontaneous nystagmus in horizontal canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

Objective

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo of horizontal semicircular canal (HSC-BPPV) is characterized by either geotropic or apogeotropic nystagmus induced by head roll test. Some patients also present with spontaneous nystagmus. The aim of this study is to examine the clinical manifestation of spontaneous nystagmus in HSC-BPPV and evaluate the effect on the treatment outcome.

Patients and methods

Electronystagmography and video eye movement recordings of 125 patients diagnosed as HSC-BPPV were reviewed retrospectively. Presence of spontaneous nystagmus was analyzed and treatment outcome after repositioning therapy was compared.

Results

Overall, spontaneous nystagmus was observed in 19 patients (15.2%) with HSC-BPPV at initial presentation. In canalolithiasis group (n = 64), the treatment outcome did not differ between patients with or without spontaneous nystagmus. However, in cupulolithiasis group (n = 61), patients presenting with spontaneous nystagmus (n = 10) required more repositioning therapy sessions.

Conclusion

The presence of spontaneous nystagmus at initial presentation may implicate poorer treatment outcome in cupulolithiasis HSC-BPPV patients.     

Home particle repositioning maneuver to prevent the recurrence of posterior canal BPPV

Objective

To check the value of home particle repositioning maneuver in the prevention of the recurrence of posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (pc-BPPV).

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo following whiplash injury: a myth or a reality?

Objective

The aim of the study was to evaluate the true incidence, diagnosis, and treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) arising after whiplash injury and to distinguish this type of posttraumatic vertigo from other types of dizziness complained after trauma.

Methods

This was a retrospective study comprising patients referred to our center after whiplash injury. The patients were evaluated with neurotologic examination including bedside and instrumental tests. A Dizziness Handicap Inventory evaluating the symptoms of patients was submitted before and after treatment and was evaluated. The BPPV patients were separately evaluated from those with cervicogenic vertigo, and a comparison between our data about idiopathic BPPV was done.

Results

Eighteen patients of whiplash who had BPPV were evaluated. The mean age was 38.2 years. BPPV was the cause of vertigo in 33.9% of total whiplash patients. In 16 cases, the posterior semicircular canal was involved; the lateral semicircular canal was involved in 2 cases. The instrumental neurotologic assessment did not show any alteration of either vestibulospinal reflexes or dynamic ocular movements. Duration of symptoms before treatment ranged from 3 to 26 days. A total of 55.5% of patients had relief from their symptoms after first repositioning maneuver. The Dizziness Handicap Inventory score improved in all patients treated with repositioning maneuvers, but no difference emerged with idiopathic BPPV data.

Conclusion

BPPV after whiplash injury could be unveiled with a simple bedside examination of peripheral vestibular system, and a treatment could be done in the same session. The diagnosis of posttraumatic BPPV is not different from the idiopathic form, but the treatment may require more maneuvers to achieve satisfactory results.     

上半规管良性阵发性位置性眩晕的临床分析

目的探讨上半规管良性阵发性位置性眩晕（anterior semicircular canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo,AC-BPPV）的临床特点。方法回顾性分析16例AC-BPPV患者临床特点,并对耳石复位的疗效进行评估。结果①在Dix-Hallpike检查中,16例患者都诱发出垂直向下的眼震,其中11例双侧出现眼震,5例单侧出现眼震。②13例患者能明确受累侧别,其中5例为左侧AC受累,8例为右侧AC受累;3例受累侧别难以判断。③对13例受累侧别明确的患者采取反向颗粒复位手法治疗,5例痊愈,4例有效、4例无效;对4例无效患者再行Semont方法治疗,其中2例有效,2例仍无效。对3例受累侧别难以判断的患者采用Yacovino方法治疗后均痊愈。结论 AC-BPPV在临床中并不少见,耳石复位法疗效明确,可根据患者实际情况选择适当的复位方式。     

前庭功能诊治系统SRM-Ⅳ在良性阵发性位置性眩晕中的应用

目的观察全自动前庭功能诊治系统（SRM-Ⅳ）诊治良性阵发性位置性眩晕的临床效果。方法回顾分析了56例良性阵发性位置性眩晕患者,其中36例采用SRM-Ⅳ进行诊断和治疗,20例采用手法诊治,对其疗效进行比较。结果采用SRM-Ⅳ治疗的患者中第1次治疗后有32例患者（89%）治愈,4例患者经过第2次治疗痊愈;采用手法复位的患者中第1次治疗后有17例患者（85%）治愈,3例患者经过第2次治疗痊愈。应用χ2检验二者的差异没有统计学意义。结论应用全自动前庭功能诊治系统诊治良性阵发性位置性眩晕临床效果可靠,弥补了手法复位的缺陷,效果直观,可重复性强。