Chiropractic Management of a Patient With Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo: A Case Report

Received 31 March 2008; received in revised form 9 March 2009; accepted 24 March 2009.

Abstract

Objective

This article describes and discusses the case of a patient with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) characterized by severe vertigo with dizziness, nausea, and nystagmus, treated without the use of spinal manipulation by a doctor of chiropractic.

Clinical Features

A 46-year-old woman presented for care with complaints of acute vertigo and dizziness.

Intervention and Outcome

The patient was examined and diagnosed with left posterior canalolithiasis by means of the Dix-Hallpike maneuver. She was treated successfully with the Epley maneuver once and subsequently discharged without further treatment.

Conclusion

This case demonstrates the importance of correctly identifying patients with BPPV. This case also demonstrates the successful treatment of BPPV.

Key Index Terms: Vertigo, Dizziness, Chiropractic, Nystagmus, Labyrinth diseases, Head Movement

a Lecturer, Clinical Locomotion Science, Institute of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark

b Director of Studies, Clinical Locomotion Science, Institute of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark

c Head of Research Unit, Clinical Locomotion Science, Institute of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark

d Senior Researcher, Nordic Institute of Chiropractic and Clinical Biomechanics, part of Clinical Locomotion Science, Odense, Denmark

Submit requests for reprints to: Anette Ravn Nørregaard, DC, University of Southern Denmark, Institute of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense M, Denmark

PII: S0161-4754(09)00115-8

doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2009.04.008

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