Effect of Self-treatment of Recurrent Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

Importance Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common cause of vertigo with frequent recurrences. Objective To determine the efficacy of a web-based diagnosis and treatment of BPPV when it recurs in patients with confirmed and treated BPPV. Design, Setting, and Participants This randomized, controlled, parallel-group, double-blind trial took place in multiple referral-based university hospitals in South Korea between July 2017 and February 2020. Of 728 patients (age ≥20 years) with diagnosed and treated BPPV, 585 were enrolled after excluding 143 who declined participation, could not use the internet, or had spinal problems, multicanal BPPV, or cognitive dysfunction. Patients were followed up for recurrence at least for 2 years until February 2022. Interventions Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to the treatment or control group. The patients in the treatment group completed a questionnaire for diagnosis and received a video clip for self-administration of canalith repositioning maneuver (CRM) according to the type of BPPV diagnosed when they experienced positional vertigo again. Patients in the control group received a video clip for self-administration of CRM according to the type of BPPV that had been diagnosed on enrollment. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was self-reported resolution of positional vertigo post-CRM. Secondary outcomes included difficulties and requirement for assistance when using the program and any falls or other adverse events related to CRM. The primary outcome was analyzed using both intention-to-treat and per-protocol methods. Results Of 585 patients enrolled, 292 were randomized to the treatment group (mean [SD] age, 60.3 [12.8] years, 37 [64%] women) and 293 were randomized to the control group (mean [SD] age, 61.1 [13.2] years; 50 [71%] women). Overall, 128 (21.9%) had recurrence (58 in the treatment group and 70 in the control group), and 109 (85.2%) successfully used the web-based system. In the intention-to-treat analysis, 42 of 58 individuals (72.4%) in the treatment group and 30 of 70 individuals (42.9%) in the control group reported vertigo resolution (χ 2 test: 95% CI, 0.13-0.46; P < .001). Conclusions and Relevance This trial proved the efficacy of a web-based system for the diagnosis and treatment of recurrent BPPV. Use of this system may play an important role in telemedicine for vestibular disorders. Trial Registration Clinical Research Information Service Identifier: KCT0002364