Treatment of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo by Means of a Three-Dimensional Rotating Chair

Introduction Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is one of the most common labyrinth-related balance disorders in daily practice. Physical reposition manoeuvres have been published extensively and are being practised with success. Along with secondary forms of BPPV, accompanying medical disorders and lack of compliance can limit the desired outcome in clinical practice.

Methods We employ a rotating chair, whose frame is fixed to the ground while the seat can be rotated freely along all 3 axes in space by 360 degrees. The “TRV-Chair^®“, named after Thomas Richard-Vitton, is balanced individually for each patient and can be fixed in distinct positions by means of electromagnetic brakes and mechanical stoppers. The seat is rotated passively by medical staff. The patient himself is fixed to the seat. Nystagmus is recorded under lightproof, infrared-lit video-oculography goggles throughout the procedure.

Results So far, we have treated 51 patients with primary and secondary BPPV by means of the chair. Positioning manoeuvres according to Epley, Semont, Asprella, Gufoni etc were performed successfully even in patients with limited compliance, obesity, cervical spine conditions and anxiety for rapid bodily movements. In addition, we were able to modify positioning manoeuvres in a way that is impossible to perform on a stretcher.

Discussion In our department, the three-dimensional rotating chair is a major advancement in treating BPPV for patients that are difficult to position by means of conventional reposition manoeuvres. The passive rotation requires operation by medical professional staff, which in return reassures the patient when moving into unusual bodily positions. On the other hand, acquisition cost and space required for setup should be considered.

Fa. Diatec (Leihgabe des TRV-Stuhls)

Poster-PDF A-1854.PDF

Publication History

Article published online:
10 June 2020