Chiropractic Treatment for the Most Common Cause of Vertigo

 
 

The most common cause of vertigo is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).

Within the bony labyrinth, there are three semicircular canals. Each of these canals contains a viscous fluid called endolymph.

Head movements result in the endolymph bending the tiny cilia that line the interior of the semicircular canals. 

(The dense nature of endolymph explains the residual spinning symptoms for seconds after the offending head movement.)

Cilia stimulation, input from the eyes, and proprioception from the cervical spine combine to determine balance.

Dysfunction of any, or all, of these sensory structures, affect balance

  1. Cilia

  2. Eyes

  3. Cervical proprioceptors

Evaluation

Do you want to challenge all three at the same time? Use the Dix-Hallpike Maneuver! Most cases of BPPV affect the posterior semicircular canal. The Dix-Hallpike maneuver is the gold standard for diagnosing posterior semicircular canal involvement. The test has a specificity of 83% and a sensitivity of 52% for BPPV arising from the posterior semicircular canal. 

In older patients, physical activity and vestibular rehabilitation exercises are recommended for more rapid and complete vestibular compensation; repositioning maneuvers are highly indicated and effective in the older population with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. (1)

Treatment

Do you want to treat BPPV using evidence-based protocols? Use ChiroUp!

In-Office

The effectiveness of the Epley maneuver ranges between 78-95%. A single intervention leads to remission in 44-89% of cases, and this rate improves with second, third, or fourth interventions. The addition of vibration does not enhance the effectiveness of this maneuver. 

At-Home

Although the Epley maneuver shows superior initial outcomes, the Foster Half-Somersault maneuver is a home-based repositioning maneuver for posterior canal BPPV that leads to lower recurrence levels and is generally better tolerated than the Epley maneuver. The Foster Half-Somersault maneuver starts with the patient kneeling with their buttocks on their heels. The patient tips their head straight up to look at the ceiling and holds this position until after any dizziness has faded for several seconds. Next, the patient quickly bends their head and body forward to lightly rest the top of their head on the floor slightly in front of their knees. Their hands should be on the floor in front of their knees to prevent excessive head and neck loading. The patient turns their head toward the affected ear and holds this position until after any dizziness has faded for several seconds. Next, while maintaining head rotation, the patient raises their head to the level of their spine. The patient holds this position until after any dizziness has faded for several seconds, then quickly returns to an upright kneeling position.

If you want to learn about the specific anatomy and a more in-depth explanation of BPPV, check out the condition reference in ChiroUp under the Clinical Skills tab. 

There's never been a better time than now to get started with ChiroUp! Sign up for our FREE 14-day trial to try things out for yourself! 

  • 1. Casani AP, Gufoni M, Capobianco S. Current Insights into Treating Vertigo in Older Adults. Drugs & Aging. 2021 Jun 23:1-6. Link

Brandon Steele

Dr. Steele is currently in private practice at Premier Rehab in the greater St. Louis area. He began his career with a post-graduate residency at The Central Institute for Human Performance. During this unique opportunity, he was able to create and implement rehabilitation programs for members of the St. Louis Cardinals, Rams, and Blues. Dr. Steele currently lectures extensively on evidence-based treatment of musculoskeletal disorders for the University of Bridgeport’s diplomate in orthopedics program. He serves on the executive board of the Illinois Chiropractic Society. He is also a Diplomate and Fellow of the Academy of Chiropractic Orthopedists (FACO).

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