Contralateral incipient posterior canal benign positional paroxysmal vertigo: complication after Epley maneuver.
BACKGROUND
Particle repositioning procedures give consistent results for the treatment of benign positional paroxysmal vertigo (BPPV). However, little consideration has been given to the possibilities of bilateral disease.


OBJECTIVE
To report contralateral symptoms and signs suggestive of revealed or incipient BPPV as a complication of Epley maneuver.


METHODS
A prospective cohort of 198 cases over a period of 11 years.


RESULTS
Ten (5.0%) developed contralateral symptoms and signs suggestive of revealed or incipient posterior canal BPPV within 2 weeks of treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
This novel observation has not been previously described and may influence the strategy for future management of patients with BPPV. Particle repositioning maneuvers for the previously asymptomatic contralateral ear may need to be considered in a subset of patients with posterior canal BPPV who suffer contralateral symptoms after undergoing treatment for the original ear.
Department of Otolaryngology, Princess Royal University Hospital, Bromley Hospitals NHS Trust, Orpington, Kent, United Kingdom. ackleong@gmail.com
Annabelle C
AC
Leong
David
D
Golding-Wood
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology*; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D017211:Treatment Failure; D014717:Vertigo / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D014724:Vestibular Function Tests