The Canalith Repositioning Procedure with and without Mastoid Oscillation for the Treatment of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of mastoid oscillation performed with a canalith repositioning procedure (CRP) for the treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). STUDY DESIGN: A total of 137 patients with posterior canal BPPV were treated with an Epley CRP with or without mastoid oscillation at a tertiary care, university-based balance center. Data were collected prospectively from all patients via a preprinted diary which they maintained for 14 days after the maneuver. Patients underwent office evaluation at 2 weeks after the maneuver. RESULTS: A total of 137 patients were divided equally between the treatment groups. At 48 h post-treatment, 61% (with vibration) and 64% (without vibration) of patients were free of vertigo. At 2 weeks' post-treatment, 74% (with vibration) and 85% (without vibration) were vertigo-free. Residual symptoms of lightheadedness/imbalance were experienced by 32% of patients with vibration and 40% of patients without vibration. None of these differences between groups were statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The addition of mastoid oscillation to the positioning maneuver does not add any therapeutic benefit.