Comparison of the canalith repositioning procedure and vestibular habituation training in forty patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

Abstract

Forty patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo were treated with either the canalith repositioning procedure or vestibular habituation exercises to determine which treatment approach would be most effective. Twenty additional patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo were not treated and served as a control group. The intensity and duration of symptoms were monitored during a 3-month period. All patients had symptomatic relief in the treated groups. The canalith repositioning procedure seemed to give resolution of symptoms with fewer treatments, but long-term results show either treatment approach is effective in relieving positional vertigo. A significant number of patients in the control group (75%) continued to have vertigo. Advantages and disadvantages of the canalith repositioning procedure and vestibular habituation exercises are discussed.