Comparison of effectiveness between Semont maneuver and Canalith repositioning procedure in treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

Abstract

Introduction: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is one of the most common causes of vertigo about 17% of the patient with vertigo in Thammasat hospital. Most common present by posterior semicircular canal of BPPV. The standard treatment are controversy between Canalith repositioning procedures (CRP) (Modified Epley maneuver) and Semont maneuver. Semont maneuver result is better than CRP in the foreign studies Now there are few studies for Semont maneuver but it may be used in patient with limit cervical movement that cannot tolerate to other maneuvers.

Method: Study design was prospective study. The Posterior canal BPPV patients in otolaryngologic clinic at Thammasat Hospital from January 2013 to January 2014 were randomized to treat by Semont maneuver or Canalith reposioning procedure and patient profile were recorded including present illnesses, past history and complete physical examination and follow up after treatment 1 week and 2 weeks later.

Result: The patients treated with Semont maneuver were 12 and 8 (66.6%) were improved after the first treatment and increased to 9 (75%) after the second treatment. The patients treated with Canalith repositioning procedure were 17 and 16 (94.1%) were improved after the first treatment and increased to 17 (100%) after the second treatment.

Discussion and Conclusion: The efficacy of Semont maneuver among patients with posterior canal BPPV was not statistically significant difference from Canalith repositioning procedure among those patients and the treatment of anti-vertigenous drug was not affected before the treatment by Semont maneuver or Canalith reposioning procedure (CRP).

Key words: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, Canalith repositioning procedure (CRP), Semont maneuver