Thanks Alan,
The following may be of assistance. I can send you more info if you let me know your email address.
Title: Vertigo: Quick and Easy Treatment
"Vertigo: Quick and Easy Treatment"
ST. PAUL, Minn -- May 26, 2008 -- A new guideline developed by the American
Academy of Neurology (AAN) found that the best treatment for vertigo is the easiest
and quickest one. The guideline on benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), an
inner ear disorder that is a common cause of dizziness, is published in the May 27
issue of [Neurology, the medical journal of the AAN.
BPPV is believed to be caused by loose calcium carbonate crystals that move in the
sensing tubes of the inner ear. The maneuvers move the calcium crystals out of the
sensing tube and into another inner chamber of the ear, from which they can be
absorbed.
In many cases BPPV can be treated with simple maneuvers, such as a series of head
and body movements performed by a doctor or therapist while the patient sits on a
bed or table. There are several maneuvers currently in use for vertigo. The guideline
found that canalith repositioning procedure, also called the Epley maneuver, is safe
and effective for people of all ages. The Semont maneuver may be an effective
treatment as well.
The guideline also evaluated whether restrictions on activity are needed after the
maneuvers are performed. "There is no clear evidence to support these restrictions,
which include sleeping upright and wearing a cervical collar," said Terry D. Fife, MD,
Associate Professor of Clinical Neurology Vertigo and Ataxia Clinic, University
Neurology Clinic, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, Arizona, and
Director, Arizona Balance Center, Barrow Neurological Institute, also in Phoenix.
The guideline also reviewed whether patients can perform the maneuvers safely and
effectively at home. "Having patients treat themselves using home exercises seems to
pose little risk, but there is not sufficient evidence that this is as effective as
maneuvers done by a doctor or therapist," said guideline author Dr. Fife.
"The good news is that this type of vertigo is easily treated," said Dr. Fife. "Instead of
telling patients to 'wait it out' or having them take drugs, we can perform a safe and
quick treatment that is immediate and effective."
SOURCE: American Academy of Neurology