Rehabilitative monitoring of utricular dysfunction: VOCR findings before and after Epley maneuver in BPPV patients


MEN A. F., Cırık A. A.

European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, cilt.282, sa.12, ss.6121-6128, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 282 Sayı: 12
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s00405-025-09543-1
  • Dergi Adı: European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, EMBASE, MEDLINE
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.6121-6128
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: BPPV, Utricular dysfunction, vOCR, Epley maneuver, Otolith, Vestibular assessment
  • Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Objective: 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. Methods: The 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. Results: Prior 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%. Conclusion: The 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.