Treatment response of Epley’s manoeuvre in the management of posterior semicircular canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common reason for vertigo. Most common site of BPPV is posterior semicircular canal. The commonest symptom is episodic vertigo. This study aimed at the treatment response of Epley’s manoeuvre for posterior semicircular canal BPPV.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> 87 patients out of 114 were enrolled for the study from 2020 to 2021. After proper history and examination, Dix-Hallpike test (DHT) was done for diagnosis. Epley’s manoeuvre was done at first visit and was repeated at subsequent visits.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> The mean age of the patients was 54 years. In this study, out of total 87 patients, there were 59 females (67.82%) and 28 males (32.18%). The male to female ratio was 1:2.11. Out of 87 patients, 53 patients (60.92%) recovered in the first visit, 18 patients (20.69%) recovered in second visit, 11 patients (12.64%) recovered in the third visit and remaining 5 patients (5.75%) recovered in fourth visit. In 3 out of 87 cases, that is, in 3.45%, recurrence was seen with return of the BPPV symptoms.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Treatment response of Epley’s manoeuvre in posterior semicircular canal BPPV is good. Maximum number of patients’ recovered in the first visit.</p>

Epley's manoeuvre versus Epley's manoeuvre plus labyrinthine sedative as management of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: prospective, randomised study

Introduction:We report a prospective, randomised study of 51 patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo treated with Epley's manoeuvre alone or Epley's manoeuvre plus labyrinthine sedative, at Sundaram Medical Foundation, Chennai, India.Aim:To compare the efficacy of Epley's manoeuvre versus Epley's manoeuvre plus labyrinthine sedative in the treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.Materials and methods:Consecutive patients were selected based on history and positive Dix–Hallpike test. Patients were randomised to receive either Epley's manoeuvre alone or Epley's manoeuvre plus labyrinthine sedative for one week. Both groups were followed up for four weeks.Results:Univariate analysis showed that one- and four-week outcomes were influenced by the number of episodes, symptom duration and treatment type. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the one-week outcome was significantly influenced by symptom duration and treatment type, while the four-week outcome was significantly influenced by symptom duration alone. Patients receiving Epley's manoeuvre alone showed better recovery than those receiving both Epley's manoeuvre and labyrinthine sedative.Conclusion:Labyrinthine sedatives do not aid recovery from benign paroxysmal positional vertigo when used in addition to Epley's manoeuvre.

Patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and cervical spine problems: is Epley's manoeuvre contraindicated, and is a proposed new manoeuvre effective and safer?

Background:Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is one of the commonest peripheral vestibular causes of vertigo. The particle repositioning manoeuvre (Epley's manoeuvre) has become the ‘gold standard’ treatment for this disorder. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo can affect any age group but is commoner in older patients. Cervical spine problems (e.g. spondylosis and disc prolapse) are commoner in this age group. Epley's manoeuvre necessitates passive neck movements. Such movements may not be wise in patients at risk of cervical spine fracture.Patients and methods:This study included 40 patients complaining of vertigo and diagnosed as having benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. A new particle repositioning manoeuvre was designed for these patients, as an alternative to Epley's manoeuvre.Results:At one week review, 36 patients (90 per cent) reported total relief from vertigo. Three patients reported a major improvement in their vertigo, and their residual vertigo was relieved by performing the new manoeuvre again after two weeks. Further clinical reviews at one month, three months, six months and one year found that seven patients had suffered minor attacks of typical benign paroxysmal positional vertigo after three months. All seven were relieved of their symptoms after undergoing the new particle repositioning manoeuvre again.Conclusion:The proposed new manoeuvre is simple, effective and safe for treating patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and cervical spine problems.