The DizzyFix: initial results of a new dynamic visual device for the home treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To develop and test a completely new dynamic visual device for the home treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). DESIGN: Randomized, controlled, prospective trial. SETTING: Tertiary care hospital. METHODS: We designed and manufactured a new device (the DizzyFix) to assist in the performance of the particle repositioning manoeuvre (PRM). Fifty healthy volunteers were taught the PRM, half using the new device. At 1 week, we compared the PRM performance between the device and nondevice user groups. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Performance of the PRM as graded on an 11-point scale. RESULTS: DizzyFix users in phase I scored significantly higher on their PRM performance compared with controls (p = .0001). CONCLUSIONS: The use of this new device enables volunteers to conduct a correct PRM on their own. This is a significant improvement from written instructions or in-office training.