In Adult Patients With PC-BPPV, Is the Semont Maneuver Effective in Reducing Symptoms of Vertigo?

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not in adult patients with PC-BPPV, is the Semont Maneuver effective in reducing symptoms of vertigo? STUDY DESIGN: Review of three published, randomized controlled trials (two double-blind and one single blinded), all English language. DATA SOURCES: The three randomized controlled trials that were used for this review were found using PubMed and Medline. Articles were selected based on relevance and that the outcomes were patient oriented. OUTCOME(S) MEASURED: Dix-Hallpike Test performed before and after the Semont Maneuver to asses nystagmus and questionnaires/self reported symptom status after the Semont Maneuver to asses resolution of vertigo. RESULTS: Mandala et al. and Chen et al. compared the Semont Maneuver to a Sham treatment. Salvinelli et al. compared the Semont Maneuver to a no treatment group. All three studies demonstrated statistically significant improvement in patient’s vertigo after receiving the Semont Maneuver compared to other treatment strategies. Salvinelli et al. demonstrated that cure rates with the Semont Maneuver (94.2%) were significantly higher and more effective than the no treatment group (35.4%). Mandala et al. determined that at the 1 hr and 24 hr follow up, 79.3% and 86.8% of subjects undergoing the Semont Maneuver recovered from vertigo, respectively. Chen et al. concluded that on the fourth day, 84.62% of patients being treated with the Semont Maneuver showed complete resolution of vertigo symptoms compared to 14.29% of patients receiving Sham treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The results of these three randomized controlled trials suggest that the Semont Maneuver is a safe, easily performed, and effective treatment modality for patients with PCBPPV