Effectiveness of Physical Therapy to Treat Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo: a Systematic Review

Abstract

Objective: To review literature regarding canalith repositioning maneuvers (CRP) and their effectiveness in treating patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Methods: PubMed and Google Scholar were used to identify articles included in this systematic review. These studies looked at physical therapy, specifically CRP, and their effects on BPPV. Results: All articles used in this review found that CRP had positive effects in short term resolution of symptoms regarding BPPV. Sufficient evidence was not available to determine whether or not CRP resulted in long-term resolution of BPPV symptoms. Discussion: CRP is an effective treatment method of BPPV with a less likelihood of recurrence compared to not performing these maneuvers. Treating patients during the acute onset of BPPV symptoms showed better results than delaying the rehabilitation process. Physical and other therapists treating BPPV should be encouraged to incorporate CRP into their treatment modalities.

Keywords: Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo; physical therapy; effectiveness; canalith repositioning maneuvers