Measuring the Angular Accuracy of a Clinician-Performed Epley Maneuver Used to Treat Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

Abstract

Introduction 

Particle repositioning maneuvers have become the criterion standard for managing benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. The Epley canalolith repositioning maneuver is used to treat posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and is successful in up to 90% of cases. However, when performed, there are many clinician variabilities, and angles are approximate. It is not known how accurate each angle needs to be for the target canal to be adequately stimulated. The objective of this study was to measure the angular accuracy of clinician-guided Epley maneuvers using a three-axis accelerometer.

Methods 

Ten healthy subjects were recruited; participants had no known audio vestibular pathology. Five right-hand–dominant clinicians performed Epley maneuvers on both ears of two different participants. Twenty maneuvers were carried out in total. Angular movements were recorded using a vestibular feedback electronic device, the SHIMMER accelerometer. Data were recorded and analyzed using the EYESWEB Open Platform.

Results 

Results showed that there was angular error at every stage of the clinician-performed Epley maneuver. The most accurate movement was positioning the head to the left of 45 degrees for a left ear maneuver with an average error of 2.94 degrees. The least accurate was when positioning the patient to face the floor at 135 degrees from supine for a right ear maneuver with an average error of 17.6 degrees.

Conclusion 

Even when experienced ENT clinicians perform a standard Epley maneuver, there is a wide range of angular inaccuracy at each stage. Face to floor is particularly inaccurate. However, given that a majority of procedures (90%) work on the first attempt, there must be an acceptable but unknown range of angular inaccuracy. Novel technologies could improve the angular accuracy, potentially give better results, and allow a broad range of individuals to perform a more accurate Epley maneuver.