The particle repositioning maneouvre for benign paroxysmal positioning vertigo

Abstract

Thirteen consecutive cases wherein Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo was diagnosed are retrospectively reviewed. The Dix-Hallpike positioning test was classically positive with a typical torsional, down beating, transient nystagmus in four of these thirteen cases. The diagnosis in the other nine was based on a suggestive history with or without subjective vertigo on the positioning test. Ten cases improved with labyrinthine suppressants and habituation exercises alone. This included all the patients wherein the Dix-Hallpike maneouvre did not elicit any nystagmus. However, in the group wherein the Dix-Hallpike maneouvre resulted in nystagmus, only one of the four improved and the particle repositioning maneouvre (PRM) was employed in the three cases with persistent symptoms. Two had immediate relief of symptoms. The particle repositioning maneouvre was repeated after three days in the one other patient and proved successful on this second occasion. Surgical treatment was not necessitated in any case, It is proposed that the particle repositioning maneouvre should be the preferred first-line treatment for any patient who on Dix-Hallpike testing demonstrates nystagmus typical of BPPV.