title: Falling sensation in patients who undergo the Epley maneuver: a retrospective study.
abstract: The author conducted a retrospective study to determine the prevalence of a falling sensation in patients who underwent the Epley canalith repositioning maneuver for the treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. The author studied a total of 436 maneuvers performed on 412 patients and observed 58 episodes (13%) of a strong falling sensation, some very severe. In almost every case, the sensation occurred when the patient was moved to the final (sitting) position; in 1 case, the sensation occurred nearly 30 minutes later. The author recommends that physicians who perform the Epley maneuver warn patients of the risk of a falling sensation, take steps to prevent its consequences, and monitor their patients for at least 30 minutes after the completion of the procedure.
authors.affiliation: Division of Neurotology, Balance Center, Institute of Neurological Sciences, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey. cuneri@superonline.com
authors.forename: Alev
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Uneri
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009760:Nystagmus, Physiologic; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011187:Posture; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012665:Semicircular Canals / Q000503:physiopathology; D012678:Sensation Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D013997:Time Factors; D014717:Vertigo / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*