Rehabilitative monitoring of utricular dysfunction: VOCR findings before and after Epley maneuver in BPPV patients
摘要
This study aimed to objectively evaluate utricular dysfunction in patients with posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) using the video Ocular Counter-Roll (vOCR) test and to monitor functional changes following the Epley maneuver.
MethodsThe study included 30 patients diagnosed with BPPV (19 with right posterior canal involvement, 11 with left) and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. After diagnosis was confirmed by the Dix-Hallpike test, all patients underwent the static vOCR test twice: before the Epley maneuver and during the follow-up examination in which nystagmus and vertigo were no longer observed in the Dix-Hallpike test. Measurements were performed using the Interacoustics VisualEyes™ 525 system and video oculography goggles. Participants were tested at 30° lateral body tilt positions, and only static torsional eye movements were analyzed.
ResultsPrior to treatment, vOCR values on the affected side were significantly lower compared to the unaffected side and the control group. After treatment, a marked improvement was observed in vOCR responses, and the differences between groups were no longer statistically significant. The mean vOCR value increased from 3.77° to 6.00°, and the asymmetry ratio decreased from 25.80 to 2.84%.
ConclusionThe vOCR test appears to be an effective, rapid, and non-invasive clinical tool for evaluating utricular dysfunction and monitoring treatment response in BPPV patients. Its ability to provide objective data makes it a valuable complementary component in vestibular assessment protocols.