Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Videos

Positional vertigo related to semicircular canalithiasis

J M Epley1

  • 1University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine.

Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery : Official Journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
|January 1, 1995
PubMed
Summary

Hydrodynamic drag from displaced otoconia (canaliths) in semicircular canals causes nystagmus and vertigo. Canalith repositioning procedures effectively treat benign paroxysmal positional vertigo based on nystagmus patterns.

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Human experience with canalith repositioning maneuvers.

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences·2001
Same author

Particle repositioning for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

Otolaryngologic clinics of North America·1996
Same author

Canalith repositioning maneuver.

Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery·1994
Same author

The canalith repositioning procedure: for treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery·1992
Same author

Tympanic membrane debridement with the CO2 laser.

Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery·1981
Same author

Reflexogenic vertigo treated by tensor tympani transection.

Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery·1981

Area of Science:

  • Vestibular system physiology
  • Neurology
  • Otolaryngology

Background:

  • Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common cause of incapacitating vertigo.
  • The underlying mechanism of nystagmus in BPPV has been a subject of theoretical exploration.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To support the theoretical concept of hydrodynamic drag as the primary mechanism for nystagmus in BPPV.
  • To highlight the role of displaced otoconia (canaliths) in the endolymph of semicircular canals.

Main Methods:

  • Clinical and laboratory observations were utilized.
  • Analysis focused on the mechanism of typical and atypical transient nystagmus.

Main Results:

  • Observations support the hydrodynamic drag theory involving free densities (otoconia) in endolymph.

Related Experiment Videos

  • The canal/ampulla cross-sectional differential provides a mechanical advantage to these "canaliths".

    • Conclusions:

    • Positional vertigo is linked to canalithiasis, with nystagmus profiles localizing the affected semicircular canal.
    • Canalith repositioning procedures are effective for symptom control and diagnosis, with surgery rarely needed.