How to perform repositioning for vertigo caused by otolithiasis
Sep 29, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xu Gang
Introduction
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) causes brief episodes of dizziness and can be treated with the Epley maneuver or the liberatory maneuver. The liberatory maneuver treats posterior canal BPPV by changing the patient's body position, with each posture maintained for approximately 2 minutes. Since paroxysmal vertigo may occur after repositioning, it is recommended to rest for 10 minutes following the procedure.
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) causes brief episodes of dizziness in patients and can be treated with maneuvers such as the Epley maneuver or the liberatory maneuver. Taking the liberatory maneuver as an example, the repositioning steps are as follows:
First, have the patient sit upright, then lie down until the vertigo subsides.
Quickly rotate the patient’s head toward the affected side (left side), facing downward, so that the head is turned to the left.
Finally, have the patient stand up and return the head to the neutral forward position.
Precautions: It is important not to rotate the head more than 45°. Additionally, when lying down, the body should remain as horizontal as possible without excessive neck extension, as this may lower the position of the horizontal semicircular canal, allowing otoliths to sink into it due to gravity.
