Intratympanic steroid for residual dizziness after benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: a randomized controlled...

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Neurology
• Vestibular Disorders

Background:

• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common cause of dizziness.
• Residual dizziness can persist after standard treatment for BPPV.
• The impact of residual symptoms on patient quality of life is significant.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of intratympanic steroid injections in managing residual dizziness after BPPV.
• To assess the effect of this treatment on patients' quality of life.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 56 patients with unilateral posterior canal BPPV.
• Patients received either canalith repositioning maneuver plus intratympanic steroids or the maneuver alone.
• Outcomes were measured using the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and residual dizziness assessment.

Main Results:

• Intratympanic steroid treatment group showed a significant improvement in residual dizziness on Day 10 (p=0.036).
• Physical DHI scores were significantly better in the steroid group on Day 10 (p=0.047).
• No significant differences were observed in other DHI subscales or VAS scores between groups.

Conclusions:

• Intratympanic steroids represent a novel and effective treatment for reducing residual dizziness post-BPPV.
• This intervention shows potential for accelerating patient recovery and improving overall quality of life.
• This study provides the first evidence supporting the use of intratympanic steroids for BPPV residual symptoms.