Physical therapy for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo patients with movement disability.
OBJECTIVE
Particle repositioning manoeuvres are broadly recognized effective for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), however, we think that these therapies are not suitable for all BPPV patients. In this study we investigate whether these manoeuvres can be used for BPPV patients with the movement disability. In addition, we introduce our habituation training (HT) and report the results of treatment with it.


METHODS
Nine BPPV patients with the movement disability due to orthopedic disease were examined. For each patient we determined their movement disabilities, and assessed the suitability of particle repositioning manoeuvres, Brandt-Daroff (B-D) manoeuvre and HT for them.


RESULTS
All of these nine patients had neck or trunk movement disabilities due to orthopedic disease, and we judged that particle repositioning manoeuvres and B-D manoeuvre were impossible or too risky to be employed in them. Although HT was suitable for them and symptoms and signs of them improved within a short period of time.


CONCLUSIONS
Particle repositioning manoeuvres were not suitable for BPPV patients with the movement disability because these manoeuvres required various movements. These patients were able to perform HT depending on their capabilities. We think that HT is caused by the fatigability of BPPV, and it accelerates the natural curing process.
Sato
Shigeki
S
Department of Otolaryngology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, 2-16-1, Sugao, Miyamae-ku, Kanagawa 216-8511, Kawasaki, Japan. shigeki@marianna-u.ac.jp
Ohashi
Toru
T
Koizuka
Izumi
I
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002137:Calculi / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D015331:Cohort Studies; D000075202:Contraindications; D005260:Female; D006185:Habituation, Psychophysiologic / Q000502:physiology; D019416:Head Movements / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009069:Movement Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D012665:Semicircular Canals / Q000503:physiopathology; D014717:Vertigo / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*