Objective: To determine the reliability and safety of posterior canal BPPV (pc-BPPV) treatment with subsequent assessment of the effectiveness of the maneuver in a single session, compared to the classic weekly procedure.
Method: A prospective study of two randomized groups of unilateral pc-BPPV was performed: a weekly management group (27 patients) and single-session treatment group (26 patients). The number of maneuvers required to clear pc-BPPV, incidence of side effects (re-entries and canal conversions), and recurrence rates were compared.
Results: There were no statistically significant differences in the number of maneuvers needed to resolve pc-BPPV, the incidence of side effects, or the recurrence rate between the two groups. Two re-entries were diagnosed in the single-session group, and both were easily and successfully treated. Three early recurrences were found in the single-session group and one spontaneous recovery was encountered in the weekly group. Time required to discharge patients to follow-up was significantly reduced in the single-session group.
Conclusion: Managing pc-BPPV in one session is safe and reliable, resulting in fewer visits to outpatient clinics and optimization of treatment strategies.