Treatment for BPPV, posterior canal, bilateral or side unknown

By Marcello Cherchi, MD PhD

For patients

For a person who has benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) involving the posterior canal (also called the inferior canal) on both sides, or if the side is unknown, the relevant treatment maneuvers include the Brandt-Daroff maneuver.

For clinicians

The posterior (inferior) canal is the one most commonly involved by benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Usually the pattern of nystagmus on video oculography (VOG) can distinguish which side is involved.

However, in some cases the affected side is not clear, or the clinician may suspect involvement of both sides. In this circumstance the main options for treatment maneuvers are:

• Brandt-Daroff maneuver