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The Canalith Repositioning Procedure with and without Mastoid Oscillation for the Treatment of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo.

Ruckenstein MJ, Shepard NT

Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery and Balance Center, The University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pa., USA.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of mastoid oscillation performed with a canalith repositioning procedure (CRP) for the treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Study Design: A total of 137 patients with posterior canal BPPV were treated with an Epley CRP with or without mastoid oscillation at a tertiary care, university-based balance center. Data were collected prospectively from all patients via a preprinted diary which they maintained for 14 days after the maneuver. Patients underwent office evaluation at 2 weeks after the maneuver. Results: A total of 137 patients were divided equally between the treatment groups. At 48 h post-treatment, 61% (with vibration) and 64% (without vibration) of patients were free of vertigo. At 2 weeks' post-treatment, 74% (with vibration) and 85% (without vibration) were vertigo-free. Residual symptoms of lightheadedness/imbalance were experienced by 32% of patients with vibration and 40% of patients without vibration. None of these differences between groups were statistically significant. Conclusion: The addition of mastoid oscillation to the positioning maneuver does not add any therapeutic benefit. Copyright (c) 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Published 11 July 2007 in ORL J Otorhinolaryngol Relat Spec, 69(5): 295-298.
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