Evolution of Treatment Maneuvers for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

Near the turn of the 21st century, as more physicians began performing the Epley and Semont maneuvers for treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), it became apparent that the procedures could be done at the time of initial examination without the need for sedation or vibration. Furthermore, modified versions of the maneuvers evolved that were more effective and easier to perform. There are clear similarities in these modified repositioning maneuvers. BPPV nearly always results from otoconial debris within the posterior semicircular canal because this is the canal in which it is most easily trapped. Although less common, there are horizontal and anterior semicircular canal variants of BPPV, and otolithic debris can become attached to the cupula, producing a true cupulolithiasis. The nystagmus is in the plane of the affected canal; the nystagmus is transient when the debris is freely floating and persistent when debris is attached to the cupula.