Immediate Improvement in Subjective Visual Vertical and Disequilibrium Predicts Resolution of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo Following Single Canalith Repositioning Maneuver.

Objective: To evaluate whether immediate post-canalith repositioning maneuver (CRM) vestibular changes are predictive of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) resolution.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Setting: Tertiary referral center.

Patients: Adults (n = 27) with posterior canal BPPV.

Interventions: Single CRM with Frenzel goggles.

Main Outcome Measures: The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for disequilibrium, the subjective visual vertical (SVV), the subjective visual horizontal (SVH), and the Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance (mCTSIB) were administered pre- and immediately following single CRM. Dix-Hallpike was performed 1-3 weeks after CRM to assess for BPPV resolution. Pre- and post-treatment vestibular assessments were compared between groups to determine if post-CRM vestibular changes could predict BPPV resolution.

Results: The change in VAS score following CRM treatment was statistically different between patients who responded to CRM treatment (n = 15) and those who did not (n = 12), (-0.07 points versus -2.40 points, respectively; = 0.03). Likewise, a significantly greater improvement in SVV score was observed for CRM responders compared with CRM nonresponders (0.92° versus -0.06°, respectively; = 0.02). Change in SVH and mCTSIB scores did not differ significantly between groups. Additionally, patient age was found to predict outcome of CRM treatment, with older patients more likely to experience persistent BPPV ( ≤ 0.01).

Conclusions: Immediate improvement in VAS and SVV scores following CRM may be useful in predicting resolution of BPPV and may assist in directing the timing and need for future interventions. Younger age may have a favorable predictive value for improvement following single CRM.