The canalith repositioning procedure for the treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: A randomized controlled trial

Objective: To compare the canalith repositioning procedure (CRP) with a sha m maneuver for the treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Patients and Methods: We recruited 50 patients with a history of positional vertigo and unilateral positional nystagmus on physical examination (Dix-H allpike manenver), Patients were randomized to either the CRP (n=24) or a s ham maneuver (n=26), Measured outcomes included resolution of vertigo and p ositional nystagmus at follow-up examination. Results: The mean duration of follow-up was 10 days for both groups. Resolu tion of symptoms was reported by 12 (50%) of the 24 patients in the CRP gro up and by 5 (19%) of the 26 patients in the sham group (P=.02). The results of the Dix-Hallpike maneuver were negative for positional nystagmus in 16 (67%) of 24 patients in the CRP group and in 10 (38%) of 26 patients in the sham group (P=.046), Conclusion: The CRP is effective treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, and this procedure can be performed by general internists on outpa tients with this disorder.