Prospective Study of the DizzyFIX for the Treatment of BPPV

Abstract

Objective

1) Develop and test a new dynamic visual device for the treatment of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). 2) Study the efficacy of self-treatment using the DizzyFIX device compared with standard office treatment.

Methods

A prospective cohort design was used to study a newly developed device for the improved performance of particle repositioning maneuver (PRM). From September 2007 to March 2008, patients with active BPPV were seen in 4 different clinical practices (n=40). Patients used the device as their only treatment modality. Subjective patient reports of resolution were recorded at one week. The Dix-Hallpike maneuver was used to measure objective resolution at one week. Patient outcome using the device was compared with retrospective physician guided controls (n=40) using a Chi squared test.

Results

All patients reported being able to use and understand the device. 100% of patients in the prospective cohort reported either a cure or some improvement. At one week, 90% of these patients had a negative Dix-Hallpike test. This rate was comparable to that of the standard physician-guided treatment group who had a success of 83%. A significant difference in success between groups was not demonstrated (p=0.174).

Conclusions

The use of this new device enabled patients to conduct an effective PRM on their own without physician training and to achieve success rates similar to those of an otolaryngologist.