The canalith repositioning procedure with and without mastoid oscillation for the treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of mastoid oscillation performed with a canalith repositioning procedure (CRP) for the treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
The addition of mastoid oscillation to the positioning maneuver does not add any therapeutic benefit.
Ruckenstein
Michael J
MJ
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery and Balance Center, The University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. ruckensm@uphs.upenn.edu
Shepard
Neil T
NT
D004424:Ear Canal / Q000473:pathology*; D004427:Ear Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020347:Lithiasis / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008416:Mastoid / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011187:Posture; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014717:Vertigo / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D014732:Vibration