ARE NECK RESTRICTIONS REQUIRED AFTER EPLEY MANEUVER FOR MANAGING BENIGN PAROXYSMAL POSITIONAL VERTIGO

Abstract

Objective: To compare the effects of neck restrictions on efficacy of Epley maneuver in management of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).

Study Design: Randomized clinical trial.

Place and Duration of Study: Ear, nose, throat out-patient department (ENT OPD), Combined Military Hospital Peshawar, from Dec 2014 to Nov 2015.

Material and Methods: Total 198 patients were recruited who presented to ENT department with complaints of positional vertigo and having positional nystagmus upon performing Dix-Hallpike. Patients were randomly divided in two equal groups of ninety nine patients each. Studied group (group A) was advised post-maneuver neck restrictions while control group (group B) was allowed normal neck movements. Outcomes were measured in terms of decreased intensity of vertigo on follow-up after 7 days.

Results: Although patients in group-A (with post-maneuvre restrictions) had a better outcome than patients in group-B (without restrictions), (83.8% vs. 73.7%), but this difference was not statistically significant (p=.082).

Conclusion: No significant effect was seen in the outcome of Epley maneuver with and without neck restrictions in the management of BPPV.