Evaluation of vestibular functions in individuals with posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo with residual dizziness after effective epley maneuver

The aim of this study was to evaluate the vestibular function in patients with idiopathic posterior semicircular canal (PSSC) benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) with residual dizziness after effective Epley maneuver. In our study, individuals who was detected to have pcBPPV with Dix-Halpike maneuver and Epley maneuver applied patients with healthy individuals were included. One week after the effective Epley maneuver, Dix-Hallpike maneuver was performed to individuals with BPPV. Individuals divided into three groups; diagnosed with pcBPPV and reported effective RD after effective Epley maneuver (RD-reporting group; n = 27), diagnosed with pcBPPV and did not report RD after effective Epley maneuver (not reporting RD; n = 25) and healthy individuals (control Group; n = 45). All individuals were applied; otorhinolaryngological examination,audiological examination, Videonystagmography (VNG), Ocular and Cervical Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials (oVEMP, sVEMP), vestibulospinal tests (Fukuda, Walking, Sign, Romberg tests), static and dynamic balance tests (Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction in Balance-MCTSIB, timed up and go test-TUGT) and to individuals with BPPV; Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Dizziness Handicap Inventory(DHI). In individuals with BPPV, all evaluations were repeated after effective Epley maneuver. Before treatment, the sVEMP and oVEMP wave latencies of affected ear of individuals with and without RD were significantly prolonged compared to healthy individuals. After treatment, significant reduction was observed in oVEMP and sVEMP latency values in non-RD subjects. Significant shortening of oVEMP wave latencies was observed in individuals with RD, but there was no significant shortening of sVEMP wave latencies. MCTSIB, TUGT and DHI scores were significantly improved in comparison with pre-treatment. VEMP abnormalities and high DHI scores can be determinant in the existence of RD and evaluation of therapy in individuals with BPPV. Keywords: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, residual dizziness, vestibular myogenic evoked potentials, vertigo