Anterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo treatment techniques

Abstract

Background: Being able to resolve the symptoms associated with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is imperative because of its adverse effect upon an individual's ability to perform normal activities of daily living. Although there are several effective treatments for posterior canal BPPV (PC-BPPV) and for horizontal canal BPPV (HC-BPPV), interventions for anterior canal BPPV (AC-BPPV) are less understood.

Objective: The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions that have been specifically designed for the treatment of AC-BPPV.

Methods: A literature search in the CINAHL Plus with Full Text, ProQuest Medical Library, and MEDLINE databases was conducted using the search terms ‘positional vertigo’ OR ‘positional nystagmus’ OR ‘positioning vertigo’ OR ‘positioning nystagmus’ AND ‘anterior canal’ OR ‘superior canal’. The evidence level (EL) of each included study was evaluated using the 2011 Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine scale, and the methodological rigor (MR) of each included study was evaluated using a scale adapted from Medlicott and Harris.

Results: Through an electronic database search, 342 records were identified. Of these 342 records, four articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the qualitative synthesis. Although the Yacovino et al. study demonstrated the best one-treatment resolution rate, the other three studies possessed different distinct advantages.

Conclusions: This systematic review revealed four particle repositioning maneuvers that had been specifically developed for the treatment of AC-BPPV. In addition to their relatively high resolution rates, each maneuver was easy to administer and could be safely applied to individuals of various ages and physical abilities.

Keywords:

• Anterior canal
• Superior canal
• Positional vertigo
• Positional nystagmus
• Positioning vertigo
• Positioning nystagmus
• Vestibular rehabilitation