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Treatment of Benign Positional Vertigo in the Elderly: A Randomized Trial
Author(s) -
Salvinelli Fabrizio,
Trivelli Maurizio,
Casale Manuele,
Firrisi Luca,
Di Peco Valerio,
D'Ascanio Luca,
Greco Fabio,
Miele Angela,
Petitti Tommaso,
Bernabei Roberto
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1097/00005537-200405000-00007
Subject(s) - flunarizine , vertigo , medicine , benign paroxysmal positional vertigo , nystagmus , randomized controlled trial , posterior semicircular canal , surgery , quality of life (healthcare) , clinical trial , audiology , nursing , calcium
Objectives/Hypothesis: The objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of three therapeutic strategies (Semont maneuver, flunarizine, and no treatment) in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Study Design: Randomized prospective trial. Methods: One hundred fifty‐six consecutive patients older than 60 years of age who were affected by benign paroxysmal positional vertigo of the posterior semicircular canal were enrolled. The diagnosis was made on the basis of the history of recurrent sudden crisis of vertigo and positional‐induced typical nystagmus after Dix‐Hallpike positioning maneuver. Patients were randomly allocated to receive Semont liberatory maneuver (intended as a statoconia‐detachment maneuver), flunarizine, or no treatment. A post‐treatment negative Dix‐Hallpike test result was considered as a proof of vertigo resolution. Results: Cure rates with Semont maneuver were significantly higher (94.2%) than those obtained with flunarizine (57.7%) and no treatment (36.4%) ( P < .001). Within a 6‐month follow‐up, relapse rates were lower among patients treated with Semont maneuver (3.8%) than those obtained with flunarizine (5.8%) and no treatment (21.1%). All patients with resolution of symptoms and negative Dix‐Hallpike test results showed a great improvement in daily activities and quality of life ( P < .001). Conclusion: Semont liberatory maneuver is the most successful therapy for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and improves patients' quality of life. Diagnostic and therapeutic maneuvers are easy to perform and should be part of the medical knowledge of every general practitioner and geriatrician.