Effect of Epley, Semont Maneuvers and Brandt-Daroff Exercise on Quality of Life in Patients with Posterior Semicircular Canal Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (PSCBPPV)

Abstract

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is the most common cause in patients with vertigo (Pereira et al. in Braz J Otorhinolaryngol (Impr) 76(6):704-708, 2010; Dix and Hallpike in Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 6:987-1016, 1952). Posterior Semicircular Canal BPPV (PSCBPPV) has more incidence and prevalence then Lateral, and Anterior Semicircular Canal BPPV (Alghwiri et al. in Arch Phys Med Rehabil 93:1822-1831, 2012). Quality of life (QoL) is significantly impaired by vertigo (Sargent et al. in Otol Neurotol 22:205-209, 2001; World Health Organization in International classification of functioning, disability and health, World Health Organization, Geneva, 2001). To study the effect and compare Epley, Semont maneuvers and Brandt-Daroff Exercise on QoL in patients with PSCBPPV. 90 individuals with unilateral PSCBPPV were selected based on positive Dix-Hallpike test. 3 groups Epley, Semont, and Brandt-Daroff were formed and 30 individuals were selected in each group randomly. Dix-Hallpike test and Vestibular Activities and Participation (VAP) Scale based on International Classification of Functioning were administered before and after Epley, Semont maneuvers, and Brandt-Daroff Exercise to fulfill the aim. VAP Scale results revealed significant difference between pre and post treatment score in all 3 groups, suggestive of positive effect on QoL in patients with PSCBPPV. Improvements in VAP Score between 3 groups were compared and significant difference was observed. Dix-Hallpike test results revealed that 90, 73.33, and 50% patients improved in Epely, Semont, and Brandt-Daroff group respectively. Epely maneuver found to be the best choice and then Semont and Brandt-Daroff should be least preferred in treatment of patients with PSCBPPV.

Keywords: Brandt–Daroff Exercise; Dix–Hallpike; Epley maneuver; Posterior Semicircular Canal Benign Positional Vertigo (PSCBPPV); Semont maneuver; Vestibular Activities and Participation (VAP) Scale.

Fig. 1

Dix–Hallpike results pre and post maneuvers