Persistent vertigo following particle repositioning maneuvers: an analysis of causes.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the causes of persistent vertigo following treatment with particle repositioning maneuvers (PRMs) in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

DESIGN

Prospective study of outcomes in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

STUDY

SETTING

Outpatient clinic of a tertiary care referral center.

PATIENTS: A sample of 90 consecutive patients with documented benign paroxysmal positional vertigo of the posterior semicircular canal who had persistent vertigo after at least 3 sessions of PRMs during a period of 2 weeks.

INTERVENTION: Particle repositioning using a modified Epley maneuver.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Persistent vertigo following at least 3 sessions of PRMs over a period of 2 weeks.

RESULTS

Seven patients showed partial or no improvement following treatment. The causes subsequently determined included coincident horizontal canal positional vertigo (2 cases), Ménière's disease (2 cases), persistent posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo in association with cervical spondylosis (2 cases), and a posterior fossa meningioma (1 case).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with persistent or frequently recurring positional vertigo following treatment with PRMs should undergo detailed investigation to exclude coincidental pathology for which specific treatment is required. In patients in whom no coincident pathology requiring therapy is identified, treatment options other than the PRM already instituted should be considered.