What is the role of re-positioning maneuvers in the treatment approaches for patients with BPPV?

Question

Answer

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is characterized by vertigo triggered by changes in head position, and it is caused by displaced crystals within the inner ear¹. The primary treatment strategy involves specialized head positioning techniques known as re-positioning maneuvers².

Re-positioning Manoeuvres

These are specific sequences of head and body movements aimed at returning displaced crystals to their appropriate location in the inner ear. This often provides immediate relief from symptoms, eliminating the need for medication in most cases³.

Over the past three years, we have successfully treated approximately 200 patients suffering from BPPV using these re-positioning maneuvers. The majority of these patients were experiencing debilitating episodes of vertigo that severely impacted their quality of life. Our clinic is equipped with a specially designed table to facilitate both the diagnosis and treatment of BPPV⁴.

References:

1. Bhattacharyya N, Gubbels SP, Schwartz SR, et al. "Clinical Practice Guideline: Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (Update),"  Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery , 2017; 156(3): 403–416. [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28248609/).
2. Hilton MP, Pinder DK. "The Epley (canalith repositioning) manoeuvre for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo"  Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews , 2014; (12): CD003162. [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25526741/).
3. Fife TD, Iverson DJ, Lempert T, et al. "Practice parameter: therapies for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (an evidence-based review)"  Neurology , 2008; 70(22): 2067–2074. [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18505980/).
4. Von Brevern M, Radtke A, Lezius F, et al. "Epidemiology of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: a population based study"  Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry , 2007; 78(7): 710–715. [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17158831/).

Resources for More Information 

• Discover our solutions for vestibular analysis on our website: https://www.inventis.it/en-na/solutions/balance-unique-solutions
• View this AudiologyOnline course – Navigating Vertigo: Insights from Dubai