Is it important to repeat the positioning maneuver after the treatment for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo?

IntroductionBenign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common cause of peripheral vestibular dysfunction.ObjectiveTo assess whether the performance of the Dix–Hallpike maneuver after the Epley positioning maneuver has prognostic value in the evolution of unilateral ductolithiasis of posterior semicircular canal.MethodsA prospective cohort study in monitored patients at otoneurology ambulatory with a diagnosis of BPPV; they were submitted to the therapeutic maneuver and then to a retest in order to evaluate the treatment effectiveness; all cases were reassessed one week later and the retest prognostic value was evaluated.ResultsA sample of 64 patients which 47 belonging to negative retest group and 17 belonging to positive retest. Performed the maneuver in all patients, the retest presented 51.85% sensitivity, 91.89% specificity, 82.35% positive predictive value and 72.34% negative predictive value.ConclusionThe study shows that doing the retest after repositioning maneuver of particles in BPPV is effectual, since it has high specificity.     

Effect of applying head-shaking maneuver before Epley maneuver in BPPV

IntroductionThe Epley maneuver is applied in the treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, the BPPV. However, dizziness and balance problems do not improve immediately after the treatment.ObjectiveIn this study, the effectiveness of the head-shaking maneuver before the Epley maneuver was investigated in the treatment of BPPV.MethodsBetween March 2020 and August 2020, ninety-six patients with posterior semicircular canal BPPV were analyzed prospectively. The patients were divided into two groups: patients who underwent the Epley maneuver only in the treatment (Group 1) and patients who underwent the Epley maneuver after the head-shaking maneuver (Group 2). The results of the Berg balance scale and dizziness handicap index were evaluated before the treatment and at the first week after the treatment.ResultsThe improvement in functional, emotional, and physical dizziness handicap index and Berg balance scale values after the treatment was found to be statistically significant in both groups. It was determined that the change in functional and physical dizziness handicap index and Berg balance scale values of the patients in Group 2 was statistically higher than those in Group 1. Although, the change in emotional dizziness handicap index values in Group 2 was higher than those in Group 1, no statistical significance was found between the groups.ConclusionAs a result of our hypothesis, we think that in the treatment of posterior semicircular canal BPPV, the otoliths adhered to the canal can be mobilized by the head-shaking maneuver, and this will contribute to the increase of the effectiveness of the Epley maneuver.     

Diagnosis and treatment of the short-arm type posterior semicircular canal BPPV

IntroductionThe Epley maneuver is useful for the otoconia to return from the long arm of the posterior semicircular canal into the utricle. To move otoconia out of the posterior semicircular canal short arm and into the utricle, we need different maneuvers.ObjectiveTo diagnose the short-arm type BPPV of the posterior semicircular canal and treat them with bow-and-yaw maneuver.Methods171 cases were diagnosed as BPPV of the posterior semicircular canal based on a positive Dix–Hallpike maneuver. We first attempted to treat patients with the bow-and-yaw maneuver and then performed the Dix–Hallpike maneuver again. If the repeated Dix–Hallpike maneuver gave negative results, we diagnosed the patient with the short-arm type of BPPV of the posterior semicircular canal and considered the patient to have been cured by the bow-and-yaw maneuver; otherwise, probably the long-arm type BPPV of the posterior semicircular canal existed and we treated the patient with the Epley maneuver.ResultsApproximately 40% of the cases were cured by the bow-and-yaw maneuver, giving negative results on repeated Dix–Hallpike maneuvers, and were diagnosed with short-arm lithiasis.ConclusionThe short-arm type posterior semicircular canal BPPV can be diagnosed and treated in a convenient and comfortable manner.     

Orthotropic nystagmus in predicting the efficacy of treatment in posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

ObjectiveTo observe the type of nystagmus in each position of posterior semicircular canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) after treatment with the Epley maneuver and analyze the relationship between the type of nystagmus in the second and third positions of the Epley maneuver and the effect of treatment. Then, the role of orthotropic nystagmus in predicting the success of posterior semicircular canal BPPV treatment was explored.MethodsTwo hundred seventy-six patients diagnosed with posterior semicircular canal BPPV who were admitted from September 2018 to October 2019 to Zhejiang Hospital were included. All patients were treated with BPPV diagnosis and treatment system (Epley maneuver). During the treatment, we observed and recorded the type of nystagmus in the second and third positions, including the direction and duration of nystagmus. One hour after the first treatment, all patients were evaluated by both the Dix-Hallpike and Roll tests to determine whether the treatment was successful. The difference in the success rate of treatment between different types of nystagmus was compared, and the differences in sensitivity and specificity of orthotropic nystagmus in the second and third positions in predicting the effect of treatment were compared.ResultsAmong the 234 patients who had successful repositioning for the first time, the proportion of orthotropic nystagmus during the third position of the Epley maneuver was 88.9%, which was significantly higher than 23% in the unsuccessful group (42 cases) (P < 0.05) The proportion of patients with reversed nystagmus (4.7% vs 33.3%, P < 0.05) and no nystagmus (6.4% vs 42.9%, P < 0.05) was lower in the successful group than in the unsuccessful group. The proportion of orthotropic nystagmus during the second position of the Epley maneuver was 50.9%, which was also higher than the 19% in the unsuccessful group (P < 0.05). The proportion of reversed nystagmus (13.7% vs 31%, P < 0.05) was lower in the successful group than in the unsuccessful group. Additionally, the proportion of no nystagmus (35.5% vs 50%, P = 0.074) was lower in the successful group than in the unsuccessful group, but the difference was not statistically significant. The sensitivity of orthotropic nystagmus in the third position (88.9%) of the Epley maneuver in predicting the efficacy of treatment was higher than that of orthotropic nystagmus in the second position (50.9%), but there was no significant difference in specificity between the two.ConclusionOrthotropic nystagmus during the Epley maneuver, especially in the third position, has certain value in predicting the efficacy of posterior semicircular canal BPPV repositioning, which is better than its predictive effect in the second position, whereas reversed nystagmus or no nystagmus in the third position is suggestive of unsuccessful repositioning. Therefore, clinicians can carry out individualized treatments based on nystagmus types during repositioning to improve the effect of treatment.     

A novel maneuver for diagnosis and treatment of torsional-vertical down beating positioning nystagmus: anterior canal and apogeotropic posterior canal BPPV

IntroductionIn patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, BPPV; a torsional-vertical down beating positioning nystagmus can be elicited in the supine straight head-hanging position test or in the Dix-Hallpike test to either side. This type of nystagmus can be explained by either an anterior canal BPPV or by an apogeotropic variant of the contralateral posterior canal BPPV Until now all the therapeutic maneuvers that have been proposed address only one possibility, and without first performing a clear differential diagnosis between them.ObjectiveTo propose a new maneuver for torsional-vertical down beating positioning nystagmus with a clear lateralization that takes into account both possible diagnoses (anterior canal-BPPV and posterior canal-BPPV).MethodsA prospective cohort study was conducted on 157 consecutive patients with BPPV. The new maneuver was performed only in those with torsional-vertical down beating positioning nystagmus with clear lateralization.ResultsTwenty patients (12.7%) were diagnosed with a torsional-vertical down beating positioning nystagmus. The maneuver was performed in 10 (6.35%) patients, in whom the affected side was clearly determined. Seven (4.45%) patients were diagnosed with an anterior canal-BPPV and successfully treated. Two (1.25%) patients were diagnosed with a posterior canal-BPPV and successfully treated with an Epley maneuver after its conversion into a geotropic posterior BPPV.ConclusionThis new maneuver was found to be effective in resolving all the cases of torsional-vertical down beating positioning nystagmus-BPPV caused by an anterior canal-BPPV, and in shifting in a controlled way the posterior canal-BPPV cases of the contralateral side into a geotropic-posterior-BPPV successfully treated during the followup visit. Moreover, this new maneuver helped in the differential diagnosis between anterior canal-BPPV and a contralateral posterior canal-BPPV.     

Clinical and functional aspects of body balance in elderly subjects with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) may compromise the balance of elderly subjects.ObjectiveTo observe the effects of the Epley maneuver in elderly subjects with BPPV and assess clinical and functional aspects of body balance.MethodThis is a prospective clinical study. Patients diagnosed with BPPV (Dix-Hallpike test) were submitted to the Timed Up & Go (TUG) test, the Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction and Balance (CTSIB), and lower limb testing before and after they were repositioned using the modified Epley maneuver.Resultsmost subjects were females, and the group's mean age was 70.10 years (SD = 7.00). All patients had canalithiasis of the posterior canal. The following symptoms improved after the maneuver: postural instability (p = 0.006), nausea and vomiting (p = 0.021), and tinnitus (p = 0.003). Subjects improved their times significantly in the TUG and lower limb tests after the Epley maneuver (p < 0.001). Patients performed better on the CTSIB after the Epley maneuver on condition 2 (p < 0.003), condition 3 (p < 0.001), condition 4 (p < 0.001), condition 5 (p < 0.001), and condition 6 (p < 0.001).ConclusionClinical and functional aspects of body balance in elderly with BPPV improved after treatment with the modified Epley maneuver.     

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.     

Results from the Balance Rehabilitation Unit in Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

Posturography is a useful new tool to study the influence of vestibular diseases on balance.Aimto compare the results from the Balance Rehabilitation Unit (BRU) static posturography in elderly patients with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), before and after Epley's maneuver.Materials and Methodsa prospective study of 20 elderly patients with a diagnosis of BPPV. The patients underwent static posturography and the limit of stability (LE) and ellipse area were measured. We also applied the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) questionnaire to study treatment effectiveness.Results80% were females, with a mean age of 68.15 years. After the maneuver, the LE increased significantly (p=0.001). The elliptical area of somatosensory, visual and vestibular conflicts (2,7,8,9 situations) in BRU and the DHI scores decreased significantly (p<0.05) after treatment.Conclusionthe study suggests that elderly patients with BPPV may present static postural control impairment and that the maneuver is effective for the remission of symptoms, to increase in the stability and improvement in postural control in situations of visual, somatosensory and vestibular conflicts.     

The AAO-HNS Committee on Hearing and Equilibrium guidelines for the diagnosis and evaluation of therapy in Menière's disease: have they been applied in the published literature of the last decade?

To assess how effectively the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Committee on Hearing and Equilibrium (AAO-HNS CHE) guidelines for the diagnosis and evaluation of therapy in Meniere's disease have been applied in the last 11 years of published literature. This was a MedLine-based review. Some 79.7% of papers attempted to use the AAO-HNS CHE guidelines. However, only 50% of these publications managed to use the AAO-HNS CHE criteria in the diagnosis and evaluation of therapy correctly. In order to advance our understanding of this condition, improved application of the AAO-HNS CHE guidelines by authors and editors alike is required in the reporting of results of the therapy of Meniere's disease.     

Vestibular migraine and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo,close presentation dilemma

Abstract

Background: Not only an association between benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and migraine have been recognized in the literature, but also, there are close similarities between BPPV and vestibular migraine (VM) presentations as both can be presented by very similar positional nystagmus.

Aims/objectives: To prescribe relatively uncommon cases of positional nystagmus caused by VM that mimics positioning nystagmus of BPPV.

Material and method: 12 patients were reviewed retrospectively in this study. All were subjected to full history taking, videonystagmography testing (VNG) and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with contrast. Provisionally, they were diagnosed with BPPV. After three attempts of repositioning sessions none of them improved. After exclusion of central insults using brain MRI, trial of anti-migraine medical treatment (50-100 Topiramate tablets once per day) for at least one month was prescribed to them.

Results: 10 patients were completely cured on medical treatment and finally were diagnosed VM. Only 2 patients did not improve on medical treatment (for one month), were managed again by repeated repositioning maneuvers till finally improved and were diagnosed as resistant BPPV.

Conclusions/significance: VM positional nystagmus can mimic BPPV nystagmus in some patients.     

“Sitting-up vertigo as an expression of posterior semicircular canal heavy cupula and posterior semicircular canal short arm canalolithiasis”

BackgroundVestibular symptoms on sitting-up are frequent on patients seen by vestibular specialists. Recently, a benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) variant which elicits vestibular symptoms with oculomotor evidence of posterior semicircular canal (P-SCC) cupula stimulation on sitting-up was described and named sitting-up vertigo BPPV. A periampullar restricted P-SCC canalolithiasis was proposed as a causal mechanism.ObjectiveTo describe new mechanisms of action for the sitting-up vertigo BPPV variant.MethodsEighteen patients with sitting-up vertigo BPPV were examined with a pre-established set of positional maneuvers and follow-up until they resolved their symptoms and clinical findings.ResultsAll patients showed up-beating torsional nystagmus (UBTN) and vestibular symptoms on coming up from either Dix-Hallpike (DHM) or straight head-hanging maneuver. Sixteen out of 18 patients presented a sustained UBTN with an ipsitorsional component to the tested side on half-Hallpike maneuver (HH). A slower persistent contratorsional down-beating nystagmus was found in eleven out 18 patients tested on nose down position (ND).ConclusionsPersistent direction changing positional nystagmus on HH and ND positions indicative of P-SCC heavy cupula was found in 11 patients. A sustained UBTN on HH with the absence of findings on ND, which is suggestive of the presence of P-SCC short arm canalolithiasis, was found on 5 patients. All patients were treated with canalith repositioning maneuvers without success, but they resolved their findings by means of Brandt-Daroff exercises. We propose P-SCC heavy cupula and P-SCC short arm canalolithiasis as two new putative mechanisms for the sitting-up vertigo BPPV variant.     

Effects of Semont maneuver on benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: a meta-analysis

Background: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common type of peripheral vertigo. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the Semont maneuver (SM) for BPPV treatment, compared with other methods.

Methods: Studies were selected in relevant databases under pre-defined criteria up to June 2015. The Cochrane evaluation system was used to assess the quality of the studies. Effect size was indicated as a risk-ratio (RR) with corresponding 95% confidential interval (CI). Statistical analysis was conducted under a randomized- or fixed-effects model. Sub-group analysis was performed.

Results: Ten studies were included in the meta-analysis. All of the studies presented a low attrition bias, but a high selection and reporting bias. SM had a much higher recovery rate (SM vs no treatment: RR?=?2.60, 95% CI?=?1.97–3.44, p?p?p?Conclusion: SM is as effective as EM and BDE for BPPV treatment.     

Effect of Epley's maneuver on the quality of life of paroxismal positional benign vertigo patients

Quality of life (QoL) is significantly impaired by vertigo. The effect of specific treatments on QoL deserves investigation.AimTo assess the effect of repositioning maneuvers on the QoL of benign paroxysmal positioning vertigo (BPPV) patients.Materials and MethodsA retrospective study design consiting of reviews of charts of BPPV patients in a vestibular rehabilitation unit at a teaching institution in Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil, from 2007 to 2008. Pre- and post-therapy (Epley's repositioning maneuver) scores on the physical, functional and emotional dimensions of the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) were analyzed.ResultsTwenty-one patients were included, eighteen (86%) were females; the average age was 53.2 years. Ten patients presented bilateral BPPV; in eleven it was unilateral. The mean interval between assessments (pre- and post-treatment) was 21 days. The average number of required maneuvers was 2.3 (±1.1). Pre-treatment DHI results showed a significant impact of BPPV on quality of life. Initial scores for physical (17.5), functional (17.3), emotional (13.2) dimensions decreased with therapy: respectively 3.7, 3.9, and 3.2 (p<0.001).ConclusionIn the present sample, Epley's maneuver had a positive and significant effect on emotional, physical and functional dimensions of quality of life, as measured by the DHI scores before and after therapy.     

Repositioning intervals in the modified Epley’s maneuver and their effect on benign paroxysmal positional vertigo treatment outcome

Introduction: This study showed that short and long interval treatments achieved comparable success rates. There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of early and late recurrences between the two groups. Modified Epley maneuver can be applied in a short interval time with comparable success and recurrence rates which are as effective as in a long interval time.

Objective: The Epley maneuver is called the particle repositioning or canalith repositioning procedure. If a short time interval in each position is effective, it will allow for reduced time and avoid unnecessary physical burden. How long of a stay in each position is not determined in the literature. There is an absence of comparative studies of the BPPV repositioning time. The aim of this study is to compare the treatment time in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).

Study design: Longitudinal prospective study.

Setting: Outpatient practice in a tertiary care facility.

Subjects and methods: Sixty consecutive patients with BPPV were included in this study. These patients were sequentially allocated to one of two groups (A or B). The interval times between each position in group A and B were 15 and 120?s, respectively. Modified Epley maneuver was performed in all patients. The maneuvers in both groups were exactly the same sequence of movements, except interval times.

Results: The mean age of the patients was 49.25 years (range =19–76 years). Of the 60 patients, 48 (80%) were women and 12 (20%) were men. Successful outcome was achieved in 26 patients (86.7%) after the first modified Epley maneuver in both groups. Three patients from each group (total six patients) responded to the third modified Epley maneuver and the remaining two patients did not respond to any modified Epley maneuver. Therefore, the Semont maneuver was applied with a successful result.     

Ambulatory tonsillectomy for children with severe obstructive sleep apnea without risk factors

ObjectivesRecommendations for polysomnography (PSG) in pediatric sleep disordered breathing (SDB) vary between the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). We determined the rates of preoperative PSG in children without risk factors outlined in the AAO-HNS Clinical Practice Guidelines and described the postoperative course of those patients following T&A.MethodsPatients aged 3–17 undergoing T&A for SDB or OSA who did not have an indication for preoperative PSG were included. We conducted retrospective review to describe the rate, type, and timing of respiratory complications for patients with and without PSG following T&A, and discuss cases where disposition was changed due to PSG results.Results1135 patients without risk factors underwent T&A for SDB or OSA. 196 (17%) had a preoperative PSG, of whom 85 (43.3%) had AHI >10 and 38 (24.8%) had an O₂ nadir <80%. 69 (85%) patients with PSG-diagnosed severe OSA were admitted overnight. Of the entire cohort, 5 patients (0.44%) had hypoxemia requiring blow-by oxygen or repositioning. 4 (0.43%) patients without PSG experienced respiratory events and were converted to overnight stay. The timing of respiratory events for all children ranged from immediately following extubation in the operating room to 3 h postoperatively.ConclusionPSG in children without risk factors results in admission of otherwise healthy patients following T&A who would have otherwise undergone ambulatory surgery. PSG alone in pediatric patients with no AAO-HNS risk factors should not influence postoperative disposition. These patients should be monitored for 3 h post-T&A and discharged in the absence of complications.Evidence level2b     

Posterior fossa vestibular neurotomy as primary surgical treatment of Menière's disease: a re-evaluation

Fifty-eight patients underwent vestibular neurotomy via the posterior fossa approach between September 1992 and December 1998 at the ENT department of Legnano. All patients presented a history of disabling unilateral Menière's disease and underwent complete neuro-otologic evaluation following the 1985 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) guidelines. All patients underwent MRI imaging, ABR and electronystagmographic testing before surgery. Objective analysis of results is reported using the criteria published by the Committee on Hearing and Equilibrium of the AAO-HNS in 1985. According to the AAO formula, 52 patients obtained a score of 0, indicating complete control of major vertigo spells, while four were classified within the 'substantial control' group. Immediate hearing results indicated that 93 per cent of the patients maintained a level within 10 dB from the pre-operative level. Only one patient experienced a subtotal hearing loss yet retained measurable hearing. No major complications were reported. We conclude that a retrosigmoid approach to vestibular neurotomy can be considered a safe and effective procedure in relieving medically refractory vertigo in Menière's disease while preserving the hearing. Tinnitus and long-term hearing deterioration are not influenced by the procedure.     

Qualitative analysis of the Dix-Hallpike maneuver in multi-canal BPPV using a biomechanical model: Introduction of an expanded Dix-Hallpike maneuver for enhanced diagnosis of multi-canal BPPV

Introduction/ObjectiveMultiple canal BPPV can be a diagnostic challenge to the clinician. This is due in part to the complex anatomy of the labyrinth but also to complex and often simultaneous ocular responses that result from stimulation of multiple canals during traditional diagnostic testing. Our objective was to analyze the Dix-Hallpike maneuver used in the diagnosis of BPPV to look for patterns of simultaneous canal response and to develop a diagnostic maneuver that will allow separation of canal responses in multiple canal BPPV.MethodsA previously created and published 3D biomechanical model of the human labyrinths for the study of BPPV was used to analyze and compare the position and movement of otoliths in the Dix-Hallpike maneuver as well as in a proposed expanded version of the traditional Dix-Hallpike maneuver.ResultsThe traditional Dix-Hallpike maneuver with the head hanging may promote movement of otoliths in 5 of the six semicircular canals. The Dix-Hallpike maneuver with the head lowered only to the horizontal position allows for otoconia in only the lowermost posterior canal to fall to the most gravity dependent position. This position allows for minimal or no movement of otoconia in the contralateral posterior canal, or in either superior canal. Turning the head ninety degrees to the opposite side while still in the horizontal position will provoke otolith movement in only the contralateral posterior canal. The superior canals can then be examined for free otolith debris by extending the neck to a head-hanging position. These positions may be assumed directly from one to the next in the lying position. There seems to be no advantage to sitting up between positions.ConclusionThe Dix–Hallpike maneuver may cause simultaneous movement of otoliths present in multiple canals and create an obstacle to accurate diagnosis in multi-canal BPPV. An expanded Dix-Hallpike maneuver is described which adds intermediate steps with the head positioned to the right and left in the horizontal position before head-hanging. This expanded maneuver has helped to isolate affected semi-circular canals for individual assessment in multiple canal BPPV.     

Theoretical observation on diagnosis maneuver for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

Conclusion: To make a comprehensive analysis with a variety of diagnostic maneuvers is conducive to the correct diagnosis and classification of BPPV.

Objective: Based on the standard spatial coordinate-based semicircular canal model for theoretical observation on diagnostic maneuvers for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) to analyze the meaning and key point of each step of the maneuver.

Materials and methods: This study started by building a standard model of semicircular canal with space orientation by segmentation of the inner ear done with the 3D Slicer software based on MRI scans, then gives a demonstration and observation of BPPV diagnostic maneuvers by using the model.

Results: The supine roll maneuver is mainly for diagnosis of lateral semicircular canal BPPV. The Modified Dix-Hallpike maneuver is more specific for the diagnosis of posterior semicircular canal BPPV. The side-lying bow maneuver designed here is theoretically suitable for diagnosis of anterior semicircular canal BPPV.