Rapid Systematic Review of the Epley Maneuver for Treating Posterior Canal Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

Epley maneuver for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: Evidence synthesis for guidelines for reasonable and appropriate care in the emergency department

BACKGROUND

Canalith repositioning maneuvers (such as the Epley maneuver) are recommended by specialty guidelines for management of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) yet are frequently underutilized in the emergency department (ED).

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review of systematic reviews to summarize the evidence of Epley maneuver for the treatment of posterior canal (pc) BPPV in any setting. We included systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared Epley to control in adult patients with pc-BPPV. Titles, abstracts, and full texts were screened in duplicate. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) assessment was used to rate certainty of evidence. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) are reported. Meta-analysis of individual studies was conducted with random and fixed effects.

RESULTS

From 2,228 titles, 7 systematic reviews were selected for quality assessment. One review was of higher methodological quality, included only RCTs, and was the most current and comprehensive. Five of the 11 RCTs of the review, including 312 patients with pc-BPPV diagnosed by Dix-Hallpike, were relevant to our question. Meta-analysis of 4 RCTs (251 patients) showed the use of Epley (as compared to control) was associated with higher complete resolution of vertigo at 1 week (OR 7.19, CI 1.52 to 33.98, moderate certainty). Meta-analysis of 3 RCTs (195 patients) showed the use of Epley was associated with higher conversion to negative Dix-Hallpike at 1 week (OR 6.67, CI 1.52 to 33.98, moderate certainty). The number-needed-to-treat was 3. Meta-analysis of the outcomes at 1 month, and when observational studies were included, showed similar results. No serious adverse effects were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Symptoms of pc-BPPV improve with the Epley maneuver. Emergency clinicians should become familiar with performing the Epley for BPPV. Further studies on ED implementation and clinician education of Epley are needed.

The Effect of Modified Epley Maneuver Implementation on the Anxiety and Comfort Levels of Patients with Posterior Canal Bening Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo: A Prospective Study

To evaluate the effects of the modified Epley maneuver during Posterior Canal Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) on patients' anxiety and comfort levels. The study, organized as a prospective, worked with 72 patients who were diagnosed with Posterior Canal BPPV through Dix-Hallpike maneuver. The data for the study was collected through Descriptive Characteristics Form, General Comfort Questionnaire Short Form, and Beck Anxiety Inventory. It was found that that 63.9% of the patients experienced average-level anxiety before the implementation of the Epley maneuver and received a total of 3.07 ± .37 (1-6) from the General Comfort Questionnaire. Before applying the modified Epley maneuver and I and IV When the score changes after the week were examined, it was determined that there was a statistically significant difference in all scale scores, as comfort levels increased, anxiety levels decreased. Anxiety was identified as the most important predictor of patients' comfort level before and after the implementation of the modified Epley maneuver. In light of these findings, it can be said that modified Epley maneuver can safely be used to increase the comfort of patients with Posterior Canal BPPV. Considering that patients with BPPV can consult to emergency rooms, family clinics along with polyclinics, it is recommended to organize regular trainings on BPPV and the implementation of the Epley maneuver. It is believed that evaluation of BPPV patients for their anxiety and offer support when needed is important for the prognosis and patients' comfort.

Efficacy of BPPV diagnosis and treatment system for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy of automatic benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) diagnosis and treatment system for BPPV compared with the manual repositioning group.

METHODS

Two hundred thirty patients diagnosed as idiopathic BPPV who were admitted from August 2018 to July 2019 in Zhejiang Hospital were included. Among them, 150 patients of posterior semicircular canal BPPV(pc-BPPV), 53 patients of horizontal semicircular canal BPPV(hc-BPPV), and 27 patients of horizontal semicircular canal calculus (hc-BPPV-cu) were randomly treated with BPPV diagnosis and treatment system(the experimental group) or manual repositioning (the control group). Resolution of vertigo and nystagmus on the Dix-Hallpike and Roll test on day 3,day 7,day 14 and day 28 follow-up after first treatment was the main outcome measure to assess the efficacy of treatment.

RESULTS

At 3-day and 7-day follow-up after treatment with BPPV diagnosis and treatment system, 79%, 91%had complete resolution of vertigo and nystagmus, the effective rate in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group, the differences were statistically significant(P < .05). On day 14, the effective rate in the experimental group (96%) was slightly higher than that in the control group(91%), but there was no significant difference between the two groups. And at 28-day after the first treatment, the effective rate was 100% in the experimental group and the control group. The repositioning efficiency of pc-BPPV (the first, second, third treatment), hc-BPPV (the first, second, third treatment), hc-BPPV-cu(the first, second treatment) in the experimental group were higher than the control group, and the secondary reposition of pc-BPPV in the experimental group was significantly higher than the control group(96%vs.84%; P < .05). While for the hc-BPPV-cu patients, the effective rate of the third treatment in the experimental group was slightly lower than that of the control group, but the differences were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

BPPV diagnosis and treatment system is effective for the treatment of BPPV, with a better effective rate than those treated with manual maneuver, and is safe and easy to perform on patients.

Characteristics of assessment and treatment in Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

QUESTION:

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is the most common cause of dizziness presenting to specialist vestibular centres and accounts for approximately 20–30% of referrals to these clinics. In spite of the amount of clinical knowledge surrounding its diagnosis and management, the treatment of BPPV remains challenging for even the most experienced clinicians. This study outlines the incidence of BPPV in a specialised vestibular physiotherapy clinics and discusses the various nuances encountered during assessment and treatment of BPPV.

DESIGN:

Observational Study

PARTICIPANTS:

314 patients with various forms of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

INTERVENTION:

Canalith repositioning manoeuvres (CRP) for posterior canal (PC) or horizontal canal (HC) BPPV depending on the canal and variant of BPPV.

OUTCOME MEASURES:

Negative Dix-Hallpike (DHP) or Supine roll test (SRT) examination.

RESULTS:

In 91% of cases, PC BPPV was effectively treated in 2 manoeuvres or less. Similarly, 88% of HC BPPV presentations were effectively managed with 2 treatments. Bilateral PC, multiple canal or canal conversions required a greater number of treatments. There was no noticeable difference in treatment outcomes for patients who had nystagmus and symptoms during the Epley manoeuvre (EM) versus those who did not have nystagmus and symptoms throughout the EM. Nineteen percent of patients experienced post treatment down-beating nystagmus (DBN) and vertigo or “otolithic crisis” after the first or even the second consecutive EM.

CONCLUSION:

Based on the data collected, we make several clinical recommendations for assessment and treatment of BPPV. Firstly, repeated testing and treatment of BPPV within the same session is promoted as a safe and effective approach to the management of BPPV with a low risk of canal conversion. Secondly, vertigo and nystagmus throughout the EM is not indicative of treatment success. Thirdly, clinicians must remain vigilant and mindful of the possibility of post treatment otolithic crisis following the treatment of BPPV. This is to ensure patient safety and to prevent possible injurious falls. Our results challenge several clinical assumptions about the assessment and treatment of BPPV including the utility of certain markers of treatment success; hence influencing the current clinical guidelines and clinical practice and paving the way for future studies of the assessment and management of patients with BPPV.

A survey of current management of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) by physiotherapists' interested in vestibular rehabilitation in the UK

OBJECTIVES

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is the most common cause of dizziness. Extensive research has identified the best assessment and treatment manoeuvres for each subtype of BPPV. Education in vestibular rehabilitation (VR) is inconsistent. It is unclear if the evidence has been adopted by UK physiotherapists in clinical practice and no research has investigated this specifically.

DESIGN

An online survey with closed- and open-text answers.

PARTICIPANTS

A purposive sample of physiotherapists interested in VR. A response rate of 67% (100/150) was obtained, from which 20 responses were excluded.

RESULTS

Participants had good evidence-based awareness in assessment (79/80, 99%) and treatment (72/80, 90%) of posterior BPPV. Horizontal BPPV assessment awareness was lower than treatment (37/80, 46% vs 60/80, 75%). Differential diagnosis was poor in subjective (20/80, 25%) and objective stages of assessment (34/80, 43%). Thirty six percent (29/80) were able to list ≥3 test precautions with all three nystagmus characteristics described by 29% (23/80). Eighty one percent (65/80) encourage activity restrictions post-treatment. Only 28% (22/80) were aware of practice guidelines or Cochrane reviews in BPPV. External courses were rated the top method for learning how to manage BPPV. Lack of peer support (26/77, 34%) was the main challenge faced whilst learning. Recommendations for improving BPPV education included more external courses (23/87, 26%) and competency guidelines (13/87, 15%).

CONCLUSIONS

Good awareness of research evidence was observed in some aspects of BPPV management but many areas require development. Translation and implementation of evidence remains poor and suggests changes in education and knowledge dissemination are warranted.

Clinical Practice Guideline: Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (Update)

Objective

This update of a 2008 guideline from the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Foundation provides evidence-based recommendations to benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), defined as a disorder of the inner ear characterized by repeated episodes of positional vertigo. Changes from the prior guideline include a consumer advocate added to the update group; new evidence from 2 clinical practice guidelines, 20 systematic reviews, and 27 randomized controlled trials; enhanced emphasis on patient education and shared decision making; a new algorithm to clarify action statement relationships; and new and expanded recommendations for the diagnosis and management of BPPV.

Purpose

The primary purposes of this guideline are to improve the quality of care and outcomes for BPPV by improving the accurate and efficient diagnosis of BPPV, reducing the inappropriate use of vestibular suppressant medications, decreasing the inappropriate use of ancillary testing such as radiographic imaging, and increasing the use of appropriate therapeutic repositioning maneuvers. The guideline is intended for all clinicians who are likely to diagnose and manage patients with BPPV, and it applies to any setting in which BPPV would be identified, monitored, or managed. The target patient for the guideline is aged ≥18 years with a suspected or potential diagnosis of BPPV. The primary outcome considered in this guideline is the resolution of the symptoms associated with BPPV. Secondary outcomes considered include an increased rate of accurate diagnoses of BPPV, a more efficient return to regular activities and work, decreased use of inappropriate medications and unnecessary diagnostic tests, reduction in recurrence of BPPV, and reduction in adverse events associated with undiagnosed or untreated BPPV. Other outcomes considered include minimizing costs in the diagnosis and treatment of BPPV, minimizing potentially unnecessary return physician visits, and maximizing the health-related quality of life of individuals afflicted with BPPV.

Action Statements

The update group made strong recommendations that clinicians should (1) diagnose posterior semicircular canal BPPV when vertigo associated with torsional, upbeating nystagmus is provoked by the Dix-Hallpike maneuver, performed by bringing the patient from an upright to supine position with the head turned 45° to one side and neck extended 20° with the affected ear down, and (2) treat, or refer to a clinician who can treat, patients with posterior canal BPPV with a canalith repositioning procedure. The update group made a strong recommendation against postprocedural postural restrictions after canalith repositioning procedure for posterior canal BPPV. The update group made recommendations that the clinician should (1) perform, or refer to a clinician who can perform, a supine roll test to assess for lateral semicircular canal BPPV if the patient has a history compatible with BPPV and the Dix-Hallpike test exhibits horizontal or no nystagmus; (2) differentiate, or refer to a clinician who can differentiate, BPPV from other causes of imbalance, dizziness, and vertigo; (3) assess patients with BPPV for factors that modify management, including impaired mobility or balance, central nervous system disorders, a lack of home support, and/or increased risk for falling; (4) reassess patients within 1 month after an initial period of observation or treatment to document resolution or persistence of symptoms; (5) evaluate, or refer to a clinician who can evaluate, patients with persistent symptoms for unresolved BPPV and/or underlying peripheral vestibular or central nervous system disorders; and (6) educate patients regarding the impact of BPPV on their safety, the potential for disease recurrence, and the importance of follow-up. The update group made recommendations against (1) radiographic imaging for a patient who meets diagnostic criteria for BPPV in the absence of additional signs and/or symptoms inconsistent with BPPV that warrant imaging, (2) vestibular testing for a patient who meets diagnostic criteria for BPPV in the absence of additional vestibular signs and/or symptoms inconsistent with BPPV that warrant testing, and (3) routinely treating BPPV with vestibular suppressant medications such as antihistamines and/or benzodiazepines. The guideline update group provided the options that clinicians may offer (1) observation with follow-up as initial management for patients with BPPV and (2) vestibular rehabilitation, either self-administered or with a clinician, in the treatment of BPPV.

Quality of conduct and reporting in rapid reviews: an exploration of compliance with PRISMA and AMSTAR guidelines

BACKGROUND

Rapid reviews are an accelerated evidence synthesis approach intended to meet the timely needs of decision-makers in healthcare settings. Quality of conduct and reporting has been described in the rapid review literature; however, no formal assessment has been carried out using available instruments. The objective of this study was to explore compliance with conduct and reporting guidelines in rapid reviews published or posted online during 2013 and 2014.

METHODS

We performed a comprehensive literature search for rapid reviews using multiple bibliographic databases (e.g. PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library) through December 31, 2014. Grey literature was searched thoroughly, and health technology assessment agencies were surveyed to identify additional rapid review products. Candidate reviews were assessed for inclusion using pre-specified eligibility criteria. Detailed data was collected from the included reviews on study and reporting characteristics and variables significant to rapid reviews (e.g. nomenclature, definition). We evaluated the quality of conduct and reporting of included rapid reviews using the A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklists. Compliance with each checklist item was examined, and the sum of adequately reported items was used to describe overall compliance. Rapid reviews were stratified to explore differences in compliance related to publication status. The association between compliance and time to completion or length of publication was explored through univariate regression.

RESULTS

Sixty-six rapid reviews were included. There were heterogeneous nomenclature, research questions and approaches to rapid reviews. Compliance with AMSTAR and PRISMA checklists was poor. Published rapid reviews were compliant with individual PRISMA items more often than unpublished reviews, but no difference was seen in AMSTAR item compliance overall. There was evidence of an association between length of publication and time to completion and the number of adequately reported PRISMA or AMSTAR items.

CONCLUSIONS

Transparency and inadequate reporting are significant limitations of rapid reviews. Scientific editors, authors and producing agencies should ensure that the reporting of conduct and findings is accurate and complete. Further research may be warranted to explore reporting and conduct guidelines specific to rapid reviews and how these guidelines may be applied across the spectrum of rapid review approaches.

[Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo]

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common cause of vestibular vertigo. It is caused by dislodged otoconia that enters the semicircular canals. Its main symptom is relapsing positional vertigo. The provocative tests, in particular the Dix-Hallpike maneuver, are used to confirm the diagnosis. In case of positive result of the test, one of the maneuvers is peformed depending on the affected semicircular canal, for instance the Epley maneuver. It is important to differentiate BPPV from the vertigo of central origin.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Anterior-Canal Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo: A Systematic Review

Background and Purpose

In contrast to the posterior- and horizontal-canal variants, data on the frequency and therapeutic management of anterior-canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (AC-BPPV) are sparse. To synthesize the existing body of evidence into a systematic review regarding the incidence and treatment of AC-BPPV.

Methods

Systematic search of medical databases employing predefined criteria, using the term "anterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo."

Results

The electronic search retrieved 178 unique citations, 31 of which were considered eligible for further analysis. Analysis of the collected data revealed an estimated occurrence of AC-BPPV among benign paroxysmal positional vertigo patients of 3% (range 1-17.1%). No controlled therapeutic trials could be identified, and so the analysis was focused on uncontrolled case series. Treatment was categorized into three groups: Epley maneuver, Yacovino maneuver, and specific, nonstandard maneuvers described in individual articles. All three categories demonstrated success rates of over 75%, and the overall sample-size-weighted mean was 85.6%.

Conclusions

The present analysis demonstrated that AC-BPPV comprises about 3% of all BPPV cases. It can be treated safely using the Epley, Yacovino, and other maneuvers with rates of symptom resolution lying in the range of that reported for the other, more frequent canal variants. Multicenter controlled trials are needed in order to develop evidence-based guidelines for the treatment of AC-BPPV.

Efficacy of computer-controlled repositioning procedure for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

To evaluate the short-term efficacy of the computer-controlled canalith repositioning procedure (CRP) for treatment of posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) compared with the current standard CRP.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective case series.

METHODS

One hundred thirty-two patients diagnosed as having idiopathic posterior canal BPPV, with an age range of 28 to 86 years (mean 56 years), 47 men and 85 women, were treated with computer-controlled CRP mimicking the Epley maneuver. Resolution of vertigo and nystagmus on the Dix-Hallpike test at 1-week follow-up after treatment was the main outcome measure to assess the efficacy of treatment.

RESULTS

At 1-week follow-up after treatment with computer-controlled CRP, 108 (81.8%) of 132 patients had complete resolution of vertigo and nystagmus, nine (6.8%) had resolution of vertigo but presence of nystagmus, and 15 (11.4%) had provoked vertigo and nystagmus on the Dix-Hallpike test. The 81.8% success rate was comparable to those who received current standard CRP treatment in randomized controlled trials at about 80%. No significant adverse effects or complications occurred in the patients treated with computer-controlled CRP, aside from two patients (1.5%) with conversion into lateral canal BPPV.

CONCLUSIONS

Computer-controlled CRP is effective for the treatment of posterior canal BPPV, with a success rate similar to those treated with the Epley maneuver, and is safe and easy to perform on patients.

Rapid Systematic Review of the Epley Maneuver versus Vestibular Rehabilitation for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of the Epley maneuver compared with vestibular rehabilitation on patient-reported symptom relief and conversion of the Dix-Hallpike from positive to negative in patients with posterior benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (p-BPPV).

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library.

REVIEW METHODS

A systematic search was conducted. Studies reporting original study data were included. Relevance and risk of bias (RoB) of the selected articles were assessed. Studies with low relevance, high RoB, or both were excluded. For outcomes of interest, absolute risk differences and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were extracted.

RESULTS

A total of 373 unique studies were retrieved. Five of these satisfied the eligibility criteria. One study with low RoB and 3 studies with moderate RoB showed that the Epley maneuver is more effective than vestibular rehabilitation at 1-week follow-up with regard to patient-reported symptom relief and conversion of the Dix-Hallpike maneuver from positive to negative (risk differences range from 10% [95% CI, 30-47] to 55% [95% CI, 35-71]). There is inconsistent evidence for the effectiveness of the Epley maneuver compared with vestibular rehabilitation at 1-month follow-up. Most studies suggest that the Epley maneuver and vestibular rehabilitation are equally effective at 1-month follow-up.

CONCLUSION

The Epley maneuver is more effective in treating p-BPPV than vestibular rehabilitation at 1-week follow-up. There is inconsistent evidence for the effectiveness of the Epley maneuver compared with vestibular rehabilitation at 1-month follow-up.