Therapeutic efficacy of the Galletti-Contrino manoeuvre for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo of vertical semicircular canals in overweight subjects.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the Galletti-Contrino manoeuvre with the more widely used Semont-Toupet in overweight subjects presenting with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPBV) of vertical semicircular canals (posterior and anterior canals).

METHODS

Prospective cohort study.

METHODS

204 patients (BMI range 25-30) with a diagnosis of BPPV of vertical semicircular canals were randomly divided in two groups treated with two different maneuvers: Galletti-Contrino (Group A) and Semont-Toupet manoeuvre (Group B). The results were compared with those obtained from a control group (204 non-overweight subjects with BPV of vertical semicircular canals.) INTERVENTION: Galletti Contrino/ Semont Toupet manoeuvres.

METHODS

Liberatory nystagmus or vertigo after maximum 2 maneuvers. Vertigo and dizziness intensity scores (Visual analogue scale VAS 0-10) from day 0 to day 5 following the repositioning manoeuvre were also recorded in responsive patients.

RESULTS

While in non-overweight subjects no significant difference comparing the effectiveness of the two manoeuvres was found, liberatory nystagmus and vertigo were more frequently observed after Galletti Contrino manoeuvre in overweight subjects; this difference was statistically significant when posterior canals were involved (P < 0.03). Vertigo and dizziness VAS scores reduced significantly from day 0 to day 5 after therapy in all groups. A more significant reduction of dizziness VAS was recorded in patients undergoing Galletti-Contrino manoeuvre at days 4-5 (P < 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Galletti-Contrino manoeuvre seems to be significantly more effective than Semont-Toupet manoeuvre in the treatment of BPPV of posterior semicircular canal and may be preferential in patients with limited body movements.