Efficacy of Epley maneuver for treatment of posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

ABSTRACT

Presently, the treatment of choice for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo [BPPV] resulting from posterior canalithiasis [PC-BPPV] is the Epley maneuver. The aim of this work was t evaluate the short and long-term results of the Epley canalith maneuver as a treatment modality for PC-BPPV. Sixty-two patients with acute untreated PC-BPPV were recruited. They were divided into two groups. The first group [n=31] were treated by Epley maneuver. The second [n=31] received placebo treatment in the form of sugar capsules. For 32 subjects with posture and gait complaint, sensory organization test [SOT] was performed. All were followed up for one year. The results indicated that the Epley maneuver recovery rate was 87%. Three cases had deterioration of symptoms [one converted to later canal and two to anterior canal BPPV]. Out of the 31 patients [group, 2] 13 had spontaneous recovery and four remained symptomatic till the end of the year follow up. Regarding SOT results, out of the 25 participants with initial positive results, 15 [60%] had total improvement. On the other hand, four and six patients had partial and on improvement respectively and they required a further appropriate vestibular rehabilitation program