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.     

动态平衡仪在良性阵发性位置性眩晕患者平衡功能评价及康复治疗中的应用价值

目的 探讨动态平衡仪在良性阵发性位置性眩晕(benign paroxysmal positional vertigo,BPPV)患者平衡功能评价及康复治疗中的应用价值.方法 回顾性分析2007年5月至2008年12月48例后半规管BPPV患者的临床资料.所有患者分别于Epley法复位前后行动静态平衡仪及冷热试验检查,并对结果进行分析比较.对于复位后眼震消失但仍有平衡障碍的患者采用动态平衡仪进行平衡康复训练,3周后再行动态平衡仪检查.结果 48例BPPV患者,Epley法复位前,冷热试验异常12例,占25.O%;静态平衡仪异常16例,占33.3%;动态平衡仪异常34例,占70.8%.经统计分析,动态平衡仪异常率高于冷热试验及静态平衡仪,差异具有统计学意义(χ2值分别为4.84和7.88,P值均＜O.05).Epley法复位治疗后,冷热试验异常7例,静态平衡仪异常4例,动态平衡仪异常8例.复位治疗后动态及静态平衡仪测试结果异常率明显降低,差异具有统计学意义(χ2值分别为24.04和1O.08,P值均＜0.05);而冷热试验结果无明显变化,治疗前后差异无统计学意义(χ2=3.2,P＞0.05).运用动态平衡仪对复位治疗后仍有平衡障碍的8例患者进行平衡康复训练,3周后所有患者平衡不稳感均消失,复查动态平衡仪结果均正常.结论 动态平衡仪可定量分析姿势平衡状态,有助于全面评价BPPV患者的平衡功能;BPPV患者多伴有平衡功能的降低,Epley法复位治疗可改善大部分患者的平衡功能,但并非所有患者平衡功能均恢复正常.运用动态平衡仪进行平衡康复训练对于已行耳石复位但仍有平衡障碍的患者有益.     

Efficacy of postural restriction in treating benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of postural restriction after canalith repositioning in treating benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). DESIGN: Prospective trial of patients with postural restriction vs those without postural restriction after treatment. PATIENTS: Patients with classic BPPV and with BPPV without nystagmus were treated using the modified Epley canalith repositioning procedure. Patients were randomly separated into 2 groups. The first group was instructed to wear a cervical collar and to maintain an upright head position for 2 days. The second group had no motion restriction. After 5 days, the patients were followed up and evaluated using the Dix-Hallpike test. RESULTS: In the first group, 56 of 62 ears healed after the first maneuver, and the remaining ears healed after the second. In the second group, 45 of 57 ears healed after the first maneuver, 6 after the second, and 5 (with subsequent postural restriction) after the third (1 ear did not improve). Five patients in the first group and 3 patients in the second group had BPPV without nystagmus; all of these patients healed after a single maneuver. The difference between the 2 groups in the number of maneuvers required for treatment was statistically significant (P<.05). The number of patients who required a third maneuver was significantly higher in the second group (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Postural restriction enhances the therapeutic effect of canalith repositioning in the treatment of posterior semicircular canal BPPV. The long-term efficacy of postural restriction in preventing BPPV recurrence has not been demonstrated.     

Canalith repositioning for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of canalith repositioning maneuvers (Semont, Epley, and modified maneuvers) in the treatment of posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) in comparison to the rate of resolution in the untreated control cohort. DATA SOURCES: Source articles were identified by a MEDLINE search of English language sources before 2004 plus manual crosschecks of bibliographies from identified articles, selected national meeting abstracts, review article references, and textbook chapters. STUDY SELECTION: Each controlled trial that compared canalith repositioning patients to untreated control subjects in posterior canal benign positional vertigo (blinded and unblinded) was reviewed for inclusion. DATA EXTRACTION: Data were abstracted systematically, scaled on validity and comparability, and cross-checked independently by another author. DATA SYNTHESIS: Studies were combined with fixed effects meta-analysis to estimate spontaneous resolution, 95% confidence intervals (CI) of effect size, and heterogeneity. CONCLUSION: Canalith repositioning is more effective than observation alone for the treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, despite spontaneous resolution rates of one in three at 3 weeks. Public health implications are discussed, based on the high frequency of unrecognized BPPV reported in elderly patients, and the improvements after canalith repositioning in postural control and health-related quality of life (SF 36 Health Survey) documented in the literature.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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。     

突发性聋继发良性阵发性位置性眩晕的临床观察

目的了解继发于突发性聋的良性阵发性位置性眩晕（benign paroxysmal positional vertigo,BPPV）的发病情况并探讨其治疗策略。方法观察眩晕门诊及耳内科病房中心2004年1月-2010年1月收治的210例突发性聋患者（包括伴有眩晕的突发性聋）合并BPPV的发病情况,并与同期183例原发性BPPV相比较。结果本组突发性聋病例并发BPPV为19．0％（40／210）;40例患者均为高频感音神经性聋或平坦型感音神经性聋。本文40例继发于突发性聋的BPPV,出现时间均在突发性聋发病后t周内。继发性BPPV的手法复位效果与原发性BPPV相似,大多数都于1～2次就诊后治愈。结论突发性聋继发的BPPV是临床常见的现象;继发于突聋的BPPV与原发性BPPV都是以后半规管BPPV多见,并与原发性BPPV手法复位的疗效相似。     

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。     

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.     

内耳病变并发良性阵发性位置性眩晕

目的了解继发于几种内耳疾病的良性阵发性位置性眩晕（benign paroxysmal positional vertigo，BPPV）的发病情况，进一步了解BPPV的可能发病机制。方法观察眩晕诊疗中心2004年1月至2006年11月53例前庭神经炎、90例突发性聋（包括伴眩晕的突发性聋）、381例梅尼埃病BPPV等的发病情况，并与同期183例原发性BPPV比较。结果4种内耳疾病后可以出现BPPV，分别是前庭神经炎、突发性聋、梅尼埃病和Bell麻痹。前庭神经炎后出现BPPV为9．4％（5／53）；突发性聋后出现BPPV为38．9％（35／90）；梅尼埃病后出现BPPV为0．3％（1／381）；1例Bell麻痹后出现BPPV。其中外半规管BPPV5例；后半规管37例，其中1例后半规管BPPV在复位过程中出现同侧前半规管BPPV。管结石症39例，外半规管嵴顶结石症3例。内耳病变后出现BPPV在发病后半年内出现者占75．0％（27／36）。继发性BPPV的手法复位效果与原发性BPPV相似，大多都可1、2次就诊后治愈。结论内耳病突发性聋、前庭神经炎和梅尼埃病后可以出现BPPV。这种类型的BPPV主要表现为后半规管管结石，偶见外半规管嵴帽结石。原发性BPPV与内耳病变后出现的BPPV手法复位疗效相似。     

Vibration does not improve results of the canalith repositioning procedure

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether, in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), the canalith repositioning procedure performed with vibration applied over the mastoid bone of the affected ear is more effective in resolving the symptoms and preventing recurrence of BPPV than the procedure performed without vibration. DESIGN: Retrospective case review. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Ninety-four patients diagnosed as having BPPV involving the posterior semicircular canal. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were assigned to one of 2 treatment groups: the canalith repositioning procedure with vibration (n=44) and with no vibration (n=50). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Effectiveness of treatment was determined through clinical reevaluation or reported through a telephone interview 1 week after treatment. Intensity of symptoms was quantified on a scale of 1 to 3 (mild, moderate, or severe); effectiveness of treatment was categorized on a scale of 1 to 4 (cure, much better, better, or no change). Rate of recurrence was determined through later clinical reevaluation or a telephone interview. RESULTS: At 1 week, 57 of the 94 patients were cured and 16 were much better, providing a 78% overall success rate. There was no significant difference in effectiveness of the treatment or the frequency of reoccurrence of BPPV between the vibration and no-vibration groups as determined from the Kaplan-Meier product-limit method and log-rank test. Rate of recurrence was 47% at a maximum follow-up of 5.25 years. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that, while the canalith repositioning procedure is effective in the treatment of BPPV, vibration applied during the maneuver does not significantly affect short-term or long-term outcomes.     

颗粒复位法治疗后半规管良性阵发位置性眩晕

目的 评价颗粒复位法治疗良性阵发性位置性眩晕的效果。方法 对１９９６年７月－１９９８年６月间治疗的３１一半规管性良性性位置性眩晕患者进行回顾分析。地规管耳右症假说,患者接受１次颗粒复位法治疗。治疗结束２周后复查并评价疗效。结果 ２１例患者的眩晕和眼一立刻或在１－２周内逐渐消失。６例改善,４例无效。总有效率８７．１％。结论 颗粒复位法对大多数良性阵发性位置性眩晕患者有效,推荐作为治疗该的首选方法。     

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。     

复位治疗对良性阵发性位置性眩晕患者姿势稳定性的影响

目的探讨耳石复位治疗（CanaIithrepositioningprocedure,CRP）对后半规管良性阵发性位置性眩晕（posterior semicircular canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, PSC-BPPV）患者姿势稳定性的影响。方法25例PSC—BPPV患者在CRP前、后进行4种站立条件下的姿势稳定性测试,①坚硬平板、睁眼（T1）;②坚硬平板、闭眼（T2）;③海绵垫、睁眼（T3）;④海绵垫、闭眼（T4）。以配对的25名正常人为健康对照组。采用身体直立时足底压力中心的平均晃动速度（swayvelocity,SV）为研究参数。结果①CRP前患者SV均较健康对照组增加,T1时有显著性差异（f=2．442,P=0．022）：T2NT4有极显著性差异（f值分别为3．529、5．799和4．312,P〈0．01）;②CRP后除T1外（f=1．808,P=0．083）,T2-T4时,患者身体晃动SV较治疗前降低,有显著性差异（f值分别为2．487、2．248和2．897,P〈0．05）：③CRP后患者姿势稳定性与健康对照组比较,T1gUT2时SV间比较,无显著性差异（f分别为1．388和2．022,P〉0．05）;T3和T4时SV间比较,有显著性差异（f分别为1．488和2．327,P〈0．05）。结论CRP可提高PSC—BPPV患者姿势稳定性,但与正常人仍有一定差异,提示PSC．BPPV患者可结合CRPgl前庭康复治疗提高姿势平衡能力。     

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.     

Effect of mastoid oscillation on the outcome of the canalith repositioning procedure

OBJECTIVE: The canalith repositioning procedure (CRP), as described by Epley, is a well-established method of treatment for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Debate exists as to whether simultaneous application of a mastoid oscillator confers any added benefit. The aim of this study was to examine this question. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective randomized study. METHOD: Eighty-four subjects with unilateral posterior canal BPPV were randomized into two groups. The oscillator group was treated by CRP with mastoid oscillation and the nonoscillator group was treated by CRP alone. Positive outcome was regarded as complete resolution of symptoms and a negative Dix-Hallpike's test after a 4 to 6 week follow-up period. RESULTS: Five patients were lost to follow-up. Twenty-eight (72%) patients from the oscillator group and 26 (65%) patients from the nonoscillator group had a positive outcome. This difference was not significant (chi = 0.17, P =.68) CONCLUSION: For the treatment of posterior canal BPPV, concurrent mastoid oscillation with CRP does not significantly alter the short-term outcome.     

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo after intense physical activity: a report of nine cases

The aim of this study was to report some clinical cases suggesting a possible correlation between benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and intense physical activity. Out of 430 BPPV cases referred to our out-patients clinic, 9 patients, showing symptoms of BPPV arising after an intense period of physical activity, were selected for this study. The posterior semicircular canal was affected in all the nine patients. The canalith repositioning procedure was successful and eliminated vertigo and nystagmus in all patients. During the follow-up period (12 months) all patients continued with the usual physical activity; four of the nine patients showed a recurrence of the BPPV symptoms after a new intense period of exercises: all were successfully treated by a new single Epley repositioning procedure. BPPV due to intense physical activity is a rare condition (9/430) and it may be caused by repeated vibratory vertical accelerations of a minor degree associated with metabolic variations during strenuous exercise.     

Caloric tests in clinical practice in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

Background: The value of caloric tests in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) patients is unclear.

Objectives: To analyze the features and clinical significance of caloric tests in BPPV patients.

Materials and methods: About 2192 patients (256 BPPV and 1936 non-BPPV) who complained of dizziness triggered by movement, accompanied by the symptom of hearing loss or a history of vertigo, participated in this prospective clinical study. All subjects received a caloric test, 213 BPPV patients underwent follow-up for at least 6 months after canalith repositioning procedures (CRPs).

Results: (1) The abnormal canal paresis (CP) prevalence of BPPV was 57%. (2) The curative rate of single CRP decreased during follow-up from 90.1% after 7 days to 61% after 6 months and was significantly lower in patients with (54.1%) than in those without (70.1%) an abnormal CP at 6 months post-treatment (p?=?.01). (3) The recurrent rate was significantly higher in BPPV patients with abnormal CP (25.2%) than with normal CP (12.5%; p?=?.017).

Conclusions and significance: Patients with abnormal CP needed more CRPs and were more prone to relapse. The value of the caloric test in treatment planning and predicting recurrence in BPPV patients should be emphasized.