title: Can we predict the efficacy of the semont maneuver in the treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo of the posterior semicircular canal?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To establish success- or failure-predicting factors in Semont maneuver in the treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Referral center, institutional practice, ambulatory care (outpatient clinic).
  
  
  METHODS
  A consecutive sample of 135 patients diagnosed with unilateral benign paroxysmal positional vertigo of posterior semicircular canal for 3 years (September 2007 to August 2010).
  
  
  METHODS
  Semont maneuver.
  
  
  METHODS
  Duration of the latency period and nystagmus status with the Dix-Hallpike test. Presence or absence of orthotropic nystagmus in the second position of the Semont maneuver. Effectiveness of the Semont maneuver (cure versus no cure).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The Semont maneuver is effective in 73% of the patients. Orthotropic nystagmus was present in 67% of the cases and absent in 33%; when we found orthotropic nystagmus, the maneuver was effective in 81% of the patients, but only in 57% if this nystagmus was not present (Fisher's exact test, p = 0.004; odds ratio, 3.308; 95% confidence interval, 1.492-7.334). The maneuver's efficacy and the presence of orthotropic nystagmus were not affected by the duration of nystagmus status in the Dix-Hallpike test. The duration of the latency period had no effect on the maneuver's efficacy, but it did affect the appearance of orthotropic nystagmus (Mann-Whitney test, p = 0.016).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The presence of orthotropic nystagmus in the second position of the Semont maneuver indicates a good prognosis, but its absence does not necessarily mean that the maneuver will fail. Orthotropic nystagmus is more common in patients with shorter latency periods, suggesting that its appearance is related to cupulolithiasis mechanisms.
authors: Division of Otoneurology, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Santiago de Compostela, Compostela, Spain. andres.soto@usc.es
authors: Andrés
authors: A
authors: Soto-Varela
authors: Marcos
authors: M
authors: Rossi-Izquierdo
authors: Sofía
authors: S
authors: Santos-Pérez
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D065635:Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009759:Nystagmus, Pathologic / Q000628:therapy*; D056888:Patient Positioning; D011187:Posture; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014717:Vertigo / Q000628:therapy*