International Journal of Homoeopathic Sciences

Background: Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) occurs mainly due to the dislodgment of Calcium crystals which can be corrected with certain repositioning techniques like Epley’s maneuver. The Homoeopathic preparations are also known to be effective in the management of vertigo.

Objectives: Primary objective was to compare the effect of Hydro ethanolic preparations of Chenopodium and Epley’s maneuver on improving the vertigo and also to assess the quality of life of BPPV patients.

Methods: A Randomised Comparative Trial was conducted on 30 patients at ANSS Homoeo Medical College Hospital, Kottayam. The patients enrolled were randomised to receive either Epley’s maneuver (Group A-15 participants) or Homoeopathic treatment with Hydro ethanolic extract of Chenopodium (Group B-15participants) and were reviewed on two weeks interval for 3 months. The outcome parameters used were vertigo symptom scale-shortform score (VSS) and quality of life was assessed by Dizziness Handicap Inventory score (DHI).

Results: The paired t test were done to evaluate the difference within the group. There was a statistically significant reduction of VSS Score, {For Group A (SD=4.8; t=2.4, p<0.05)}, {For Group B (SD=4.5; t=2.1, p<0.05)}). The student t test was done to evaluate the difference between Group A &B which showed that the therapeutic efficacy did not differ between the groups. There was a statistically significant reduction in DHI Score in Group A, (SD=4.8; t=2.5, p<0.05) and statistically significant increase of DHI Score in Group B, (SD=4.7; t=2.0, p<0.05).

Conclusion: From the study we found that Epley’s maneuver significantly reduces the intensity of vertigo and also helped to improve the quality of life of patients suffering with BPPV. Hydroethanolic extract of Chenopodium significantly reduces only the intensity of acute episodes of BPPV, but there is no significant difference on the improvement in Quality of Life of patients with BPPV.