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FrançaisBPPV (Crystal Displacement) is a recurrent, benign form of vertigo that occurs when a person moves their head or changes position. It is the most common cause of peripheral vertigo. Patients describe this condition as a sensation of imbalance or spinning. If left untreated, BPPV can create significant challenges during daily activities.
Canalith repositioning maneuvers are the primary treatment method. There are various variations of BPPV, and therefore, several repositioning maneuvers exist. One of the methods used in BPPV treatment is the Semont maneuver.
This treatment aims to reposition the calcium carbonate crystals (otoconia) in the inner ear and direct the otoliths to the utricle using specific head movements. The maneuver alleviates symptoms by allowing the crystals to return to their proper location. The treatment process may vary depending on the positioning of the crystals.
The variability in treatment outcomes depends on several factors:
- The time elapsed from the onset of symptoms to the initiation of treatment
- Patients’ spontaneous recovery rates
- The frequency of maneuver repetition
- The diversity of maneuver protocols
- The influence of underlying causes on the severity of vertigo
- The number of affected canals
- Individual differences in maneuver parameters
- Differences in evaluation criteria
These factors can significantly affect the recovery process. For example, the severity and duration of BPPV are important factors in determining treatment success. Furthermore, anatomical differences in the inner ear can affect the application and outcomes of the maneuver. A specific waiting period is required during the application of the Semont maneuver to ensure that the crystals are correctly positioned.
Most treated patients exhibit a high rate of recovery. However, in some cases, the involvement of multiple canals may complicate the treatment. The recovery process is evaluated based on both the improvement perceived by the patient and objective test results. Therefore, post-treatment recovery is determined by both symptomatic and objective measurements.
Doctor Audiologist Emel Uğur
Dr. Audiologist Emel Uğur was born in 1982 in Çanakkale. During her 15-year tenure at Istanbul Training and Research Hospital, she primarily worked on Pediatric Audiology (Hearing Loss in Infants and Children), Otological Diseases (Ear Diseases and Hearing Health), and Vestibular System Disorders (Vertigo and Imbalance). In 2015, she joined the Acıbadem Healthcare Group.
About Me
Semont Maneuver: An Effective Solution Against Vertigo
The Semont maneuver is a technique specifically designed for patients with positional vertigo. This method uses specific head movements to address the patient’s acute vertigo symptoms. The treatment should always be performed under the supervision of a clinician.
In the literature, the Semont maneuver is known as a liberatory maneuver. Therefore, it has generally been found effective in alleviating vertigo symptoms in the short term. If it is not sufficient on its own and the patient’s symptoms persist, alternative treatment methods may be attempted.
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What Should You Be Careful of After the Semont Maneuver?
After completing the Semont maneuver, as with all other maneuvers, patients may experience episodes of vertigo that can last for several minutes. This occurs as the canaliths in the inner ear are repositioned. Therefore, it is important to rest for about 10-15 minutes after treatment. Additionally, it is recommended that someone else drive you home after the treatment.
The precautions to be taken in the hours following treatment and during the night are as follows:
- Remain as upright as possible during the first few hours.
- When sleeping at night, lie on your back using multiple pillows to keep your head elevated. Avoid turning your head toward the affected side.
- Avoid activities that require bending your head.
- Steer clear of exercises that involve vigorous head movements:
- Crunches
- Toe touches
- Freestyle swimming
A few days after the treatment, try to gradually resume your daily activities to evaluate its effects. If vertigo symptoms persist, the clinician may suggest alternative treatment methods. An improvement in BPPV symptoms is expected during this process; however, if complete recovery is not achieved, different maneuvers or exercises may be recommended.
