RESIDUAL DIZZINESS AFTER CANALITH REPOSITIONING MANEUVERS IN PATIENTS WITH POSTERIOR CANAL BENIGN POSITIONAL PAROXYSMAL VERTIGO (BPPV)

Abstract

Background: Residual dizziness (RD) is a sense of persistent lightheadedness, sense of floating and imbalance that lasts for 1-3 weeks and occurs in almost 2/3 of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) patients after canalith repositioning maneuvers. Aim of the work: To detect frequency of occurrence of RD after successful canalith repositioning maneuvers using Epley or Semont’s and to detect the possible aggravating factors of RD after canalith repositioning maneuvers using Epley or Semont’s. Patients and methods: This study was done on 42 posterior semicircular canal BPPV patients. During 1st visit history, Videonystagmography, Modified Clinical test of sensory interaction in balance, DHI questionnaire and visual analogue scale were done. Patients were distributed by systematic random selection to undergo Epley or Semont maneuvers and were followed up after 1 week. After 1 week, Dix Hallpike, history and questionnaires were repeated. Results: Semont’s maneuver contributes more to RD development than Epley maneuver. As 42.9% of BPPV patients who underwent Semont had RD and 21.4% of BPPV patients who underwent Epley had RD. RD is more prevalent among older age. Long duration of BPPV before maneuvers, frequency of attacks, latency and degree of nystagmus in Dix Hallpike showed significant difference between RD and non-RD patients. Patients with higher DHI scores are more prone to RD than non- RD patients. Conclusions: Semont maneuver causes more RD than Epley maneuver. Patients with RD are not much affected by visual influences that affect the vestibular system than the non- RD patients.