Lateral Modified Brandt-Daroff Exercises: A Novel Home Treatment Technique for Horizontal Canal BPPV
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2021
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Brandt-Daroff exercises (BDEs) are commonly used as an at-home treatment for posterior canalithiasis, but their efficacy in the treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) of the horizontal canal (HC-BPPV) has not been previously studied. Using biomechanical model simulation, we investigated modifications that may optimize BDE use for HC-BPPV treatment.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The BPPV Viewer, a three-dimensional model of the human labyrinth, was used to analyze BDE for HC-BPPV treatment. While moving the model through sequential BDE positions, the expected position of otoliths was demonstrated. Treatment steps were adjusted to maximize otolith movement around the canal circumference without compromising otolith repositioning into the semicircular duct's anterior arm. All adjustments were integrated into lateral modified BDEs (LMBDEs) presented here.
RESULTS: By implementing several modifications, BDE can effectively treat HC-BPPV. Model simulation indicates tilting the head 20° upward in the lateral position, instead of 45° specified by the original technique, which significantly increases displacement of otoliths originating from the horizontal duct's anterior and intermediate segments. LMBDE can be performed as a direct two-step sequence without pausing in the upright position before switching sides. If the affected ear is known, positioning the head 45° below horizontal on the unaffected side as a third treatment step can promote actual canal evacuation. These treatment enhancements increase circumferential otolith movement around the canal and may promote horizontal canal evacuation.
CONCLUSION: LMBDEs are a modification of BDE that may increase their effectiveness for use in patients with HC-BPPV. This safe treatment adjunct between office visits may promote long-term symptom reduction.
Recommended Citation
Teixido, Michael T.; Casserly, Ryan; and Melley, Lauren E, "Lateral Modified Brandt-Daroff Exercises: A Novel Home Treatment Technique for Horizontal Canal BPPV" (2021). Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Faculty Papers. Paper 54.
https://jdc.jefferson.edu/otofp/54
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License
PubMed ID
33605222
Language
English
Comments
This article is the author’s final published version in Journal of International Advanced Otology, Volume 17, Issue 1, January 2021, Pages 52-57.
The published version is available at https://doi.org/10.5152/iao.2020.9452. Copyright ©AVES