Experts: Vertigo Can Be Treated Quickly, Easily

EXPERTS: VERTIGO CAN BE TREATED QUICKLY, EASILY

A new guideline developed by the American Academy of Neurology found that the best treatment for vertigo is the easiest and quickest one. The guideline on benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), an inner ear disorder that is a common cause of dizziness, is published in the May 27, 2008, issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

Vertigo causes a feeling of spinning or whirling when the head is moved in certain ways, such as looking up or bending. The feeling lasts a short time but can be severe.

The guideline determined that in many cases the vertigo can be treated with simple maneuvers — a series of head and body movements performed by a doctor or therapist while the patient sits on a bed or table.

Several maneuvers are in use for vertigo. The guideline found that canalith repositioning procedure, also called the Epley maneuver, is safe and effective for people of all ages. The Semont maneuver is possibly an effective treatment. To develop the guideline, the authors analyzed all available scientific studies on the topic.

The disorder is believed to be caused by loose calcium carbonate crystals that move in the sensing tubes of the inner ear. The maneuvers move the calcium crystals out of the sensing tube and into another inner chamber of the ear, from which they can be absorbed. The guideline also evaluated whether restrictions on activity are needed after the maneuvers are performed.

There is no clear evidence to support these restrictions, which include sleeping upright and wearing a cervical collar, the researchers say.

The guideline also reviewed whether patients can perform the maneuvers safely and effectively at home.

Having patients treat themselves using home exercises seems to pose little risk, but there is not sufficient evidence that this is as effective as maneuvers done by a doctor or therapist, they say.