Evaluation of treatment in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)

Lena Kollén, Berit Bjerlemo, Claes Möller

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term effects of the Semont manoeuvre and Brandt & Daroff exercises on benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). 17 subjects who had suffered from BPPV for more than three months had the Semont manoeuvre performed and those with vertigo after two Semont manoeuvres were instructed to perform Brandt & Daroff exercises. Follow-up was done at 1, 6 and 12 months post treatment by the Dix–Hallpike test, measurement of static/dynamic balance and a health questionnaire was used. The results showed that three of 17 patients still suffered from vertigo but the nystagmus during the Dix–Hallpike test was significantly decreased, and nine of 17 patients still experienced unsteadiness during standing and walking. The authors conclude that it is of importance to perform not only manoeuvres and Brandt & Daroff exercises but also to instruct the patient in vestibular rehabilitation including static/dynamic balance exercises in order to reduce unsteadiness.

Advances in Physiotherapy, Volume 8, Number 3, September 2006, 106 – 115

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