Eliana T Maranhão1, Susan L Whitney2, Péricles Maranhão-Filho3. 1. Instituto Nacional do Câncer, Hospital do Câncer I, Departamento de Fisioterapia, Rio de Janeiro RJ, Brasil. 2. University of Pittsburgh, Department of Physical Therapy and Otolaryngology, Pittsburgh PA, United States. 3. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Departamento de Neurologia, Rio de Janeiro RJ, Brasil.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To describe an unusual patient reaction to maneuvers used in the treatment of posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (PC-BPPV) that we termed the "Tumarkin-like phenomenon". METHODS: At a private practice, 221 outpatients were diagnosed and treated for PC-BPPV. The treatment consisted of performing the Epley or Semont maneuvers. At the end of these maneuvers, when assuming the sitting position, the patients' reactions were recorded. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients showed a Tumarkin-like phenomenon described by a self-reported sensation of suddenly being thrown to the ground. In the follow-up, this group of patients remained without PC-BPPV symptoms up to at least 72 hours after the maneuvers. CONCLUSION: The occurrence of a Tumarkin-like phenomenon at the end of Epley and Semont maneuvers for PC-BPPV may be linked with treatment success.
OBJECTIVES: To describe an unusual patient reaction to maneuvers used in the treatment of posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (PC-BPPV) that we termed the "Tumarkin-like phenomenon". METHODS: At a private practice, 221 outpatients were diagnosed and treated for PC-BPPV. The treatment consisted of performing the Epley or Semont maneuvers. At the end of these maneuvers, when assuming the sitting position, the patients' reactions were recorded. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients showed a Tumarkin-like phenomenon described by a self-reported sensation of suddenly being thrown to the ground. In the follow-up, this group of patients remained without PC-BPPV symptoms up to at least 72 hours after the maneuvers. CONCLUSION: The occurrence of a Tumarkin-like phenomenon at the end of Epley and Semont maneuvers for PC-BPPV may be linked with treatment success.