Xueshuantong improves therapeutic outcome and quality of life of elderly patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo after Epley maneuver

Abstract

Objective: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common peripheral vestibular disorder. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of Xueshuantong in patients with BPPV treated with the Epley maneuver.

Methods: In this randomized study, 97 patients diagnosed with posterior canal BPPV who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were allocated to the control group (Epley maneuver) and the experimental group (Epley maneuver plus Xueshuantong). All patients were assessed using the vertigo symptom scale (VSS), Berg balance scale (BBS), dizziness handicap inventory (DHI), and visual analog scale (VAS) before treatment and again on day 14 after treatment. Recurrence rates were assessed during 6-month follow-up period.

Results: Compared with the control group, the therapeutic outcomes of BPPV were significantly improved in the experimental groups. Significant decrease in VSS (20.8 vs 33.1), total DHI (35.1 vs 46.9), sub DHI and VAS (2.2 vs 7.4) scores and significant increase in BBS scores (55.5 vs 31.8) were observed following Xueshuantong treatment. Xueshuantong treatment also resulted in significantly reduced recurrence rates (81.6% vs. 91.7%; RRR = 11%), with no additional adverse effects.

Conclusions: Post-Epley maneuver treatment with Xueshuantong improves the therapeutic outcomes, reduces the residual dizziness and increases quality of life of elderly patients with BPPV treated with the Epley maneuver.