The effect of the canalith repositioning maneuver on resolving postural instability in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.
OBJECTIVE
Patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) often experience postural instability as well as brief episodes of vertigo. The purpose of this study was to determine whether successful resolution of the episodic vertigo, through use of the canalith repositioning treatment, would be accompanied by improvement in postural stability.


METHODS
Prospective clinical study.


METHODS
Outpatient tertiary care facility in a university.


METHODS
Thirty-three patients with a diagnosis of the canalithiasis form of BPPV affecting the posterior canal unilaterally. All patients had complete remission of the positional vertigo after treatment. Patients with abnormal caloric or rotary chair test results were excluded from the study.


METHODS
The posterior canal BPPV was treated by the canalith repositioning treatment.


METHODS
Postural stability was assessed by computerized dynamic posturography before and 1 to 2 weeks after treatment. Six different subtests were used.


RESULTS
A significant number of patients had abnormal stability, as measured with computerized dynamic posturography, before treatment. After treatment there was a significant increase in the number of subjects with normal results on the different subtests; however, not all patients had normal postural stability. Younger subjects were more likely to show improved stability.


CONCLUSIONS
Treatment of BPPV using the canalith repositioning treatment results in improved postural stability in patients with BPPV. Not all patients have normal stability after treatment, however, and assessment and treatment of the balance problems may be necessary.
Blatt
P J
PJ
Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, USA.
Georgakakis
G A
GA
Herdman
S J
SJ
Clendaniel
R A
RA
Tusa
R J
RJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005246:Feedback; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009759:Nystagmus, Pathologic / Q000175:diagnosis; D011187:Posture; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014717:Vertigo / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D015837:Vestibular Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*