Actively Recruiting
Evaluating the Efficacy of Epley Maneuver in the Treatment of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo in the Emergency Department: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Led by American University of Beirut Medical Center · Updated on 2026-05-11
118
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
4 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of the Epley maneuver compared to a sham maneuver in treating patients with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) who visit the emergency department. This randomized controlled trial aims to measure differences in dizziness symptoms using the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) scores three days after treatment, immediate symptom response, and the ability of patients to complete the maneuver despite symptom severity. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the Epley maneuver group or the sham maneuver group. The Epley maneuver involves specific head and body movements designed to relieve vertigo symptoms, while the sham maneuver consists of coordinated hand and leg movements without head motion. Patients complete questionnaires at baseline and three days later, and those in the sham group who do not improve may receive the Epley maneuver as a rescue treatment. During the study, vertigo severity is assessed using a 0-10 point scale at baseline, immediately after the maneuver, and post-discharge. Participants complete the DHI questionnaire before treatment and three days after discharge. Researchers will monitor symptom improvement, any inability to complete the maneuver, and rates of return to the emergency department within three days. The total study period includes follow-up assessments up to three days after enrollment.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Testing the Epley Maneuver for Treating Dizziness in the Emergency Department
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age above 18 years old
- Presenting to the emergency department with BPPV symptoms (single or recurrent vertigo episodes lasting up to 2 minutes)
- Positive Dix-Hallpike test indicating posterior semicircular canal BPPV
- Able to understand and provide signed informed consent to participate
You will not qualify if you...
- Severe cervical diseases such as soft tissue disorders, cervical spondylosis, prolapsed intervertebral disks, or severe rheumatoid arthritis with cervical instability
- Unstable cardiovascular diseases including hemodynamic instability, decompensated heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, valvular diseases, or severe arrhythmias
- Suspected vertebrobasilar diseases with symptoms like cerebellar signs, vision changes, numbness, slurred speech, mental status changes, or confusion
- History of high-grade carotid stenosis
- Recent intake (within 24 hours) of aminoglycosides, chemotherapeutic agents, cyclophosphamide, loop diuretics, or quinines
- Peripheral vertigo causes other than BPPV such as Meniere's disease or vestibular neuritis
- Central vertigo causes including vestibular migraine, Arnold Chiari malformation, CNS tumors, or multiple sclerosis
- Focal neurological deficits
- Vertigo episodes lasting more than 2 minutes
- Negative Dix-Hallpike test
- Pure horizontal or vertical nystagmus
- Lateral or anterior semicircular canal BPPV
- Refusal to undergo the Epley maneuver
- Pregnancy beyond the 24th week of gestation
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Single session
Participants receive either the Epley Maneuver or a sham maneuver to treat dizziness caused by BPPV in the emergency department.
1 treatment visit (in-person)
Duration - 3 days
Participants are monitored for efficacy and possible bounce-back to the emergency department after treatment.
1 follow-up visit (in-person) approximately 3 days after treatment
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
American University of Beirut
Beirut, Lebanon
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
E
Eveline Hitti, MD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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