Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common peripheral cause of vertigo. It can be defined as transient vertigo induced by rapid change in head position, associated with a characteristic paroxysmal positional nystagmus. Posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is the most frequent form of BPPV. The aim of our study was to investigate and compare the effectiveness of Epley maneuver and Brand-Daroff home exercises for the treatment of posterior canal BPPV. METHODS: A total of 50 patients between 27 and 76 years of age who were diagnosed with unilateral posterior canal into BPPV were randomized prospectively into two groups. In Group-1, modified particle repositioning maneuver and in Group-2 Brandt-Daroff exercises were utilized as treatment. Patients were followed weekly. Cure weeks were recorded. The patients were followed for 12 to 24 months for recurrence. RESULTS: The recovery rates at the first, second and third week controls were 76%, 96% and 100% for Group-1 (modified Epley maneuver) and 64%, 88% and 100% for Group-2 (Brandt-Daroff exercises) respectively. The recovery rates were similar for both groups. The average follow-up duration was 18 months. In Group 1, 7 patients (28%) and in Group 2, 5 patients (20%) had recurrence, which was also similar with no statistical difference. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that both Brandt-Daroff Exercises and Modified Epley maneuvers were almost equally effective in the treatment of BPPV.