Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: a comparative prospective study on the efficacy of Semont's maneuver and no treatment strategy.
OBJECTIVE
The present study investigates the efficacy of Semont's repositioning liberatory maneuver by comparing it with no-treatment in a population of patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).


METHODS
In this randomised, controlled, 6-month efficacy trial, 40 patients affected by BPPV were treated with Semont's maneuver. Outcomes were measured subjectively by patients about their Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and quality of life, based on the "Vestibular Disorders Activities of Daily Living Scale". Results were compared to those obtained in 40 non-treated BPPV patients.


RESULTS
During the first month of the study, 92.5% of patients of Semont's group resolved their symptoms. Cure rates with Semont's maneuver were significantly higher than those obtained with no-therapy (92.5% versus 37.5%). Within a six month follow-up, relapse rates were lower among patients treated with Semont's maneuver than among the no-treated ones (5% versus 60%). All patients with a resolution of symptoms and a negative Dix-Hallpike's test presented a great improvement in daily activities and quality of life.


CONCLUSIONS
BPPV is easy to solve with a successful repositioning maneuver. Since BPPV is a very common cause of vertigo and can represent a medical emergency, we believe that it is of interest for every general practitioner to be able to promptly recognize this frequent balance disorder and to be able to treat a patient affected by BPPV with a safe repositioning maneuver.
Salvinelli
F
F
Department of Otolaryngology, University Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy.
Casale
M
M
Trivelli
M
M
D'Ascanio
L
L
Firrisi
L
L
Lamanna
F
F
Greco
F
F
Costantino
S
S
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011187:Posture; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D014717:Vertigo / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*