Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common cause of peripheral vestibular vertigo. It is caused by free-floating otoconia moving freely in one of the semicircular canals (canalolithiasis) or by otoliths adhered to the cupula (cupulolithiasis). The posterior canal is the most common canal affected, followed by the lateral canal. Diagnosis of the side affected is critical for successful treatment; therefore, suppressing visual fixation is essential to examination of these patients' eye movement. On the basis of our experience, we have adopted the Zuma maneuver and the modified Zuma maneuver for both apogeotropic and geotropic variants of lateral canal BPPV. Knowledge of the anatomy and pathophysiologic mechanisms of the semicircular canals is essential for correct management of these patients. Hence, using a single maneuver and its modification may facilitate daily neurotological practice.

The apogeotropic variant of horizontal semicircular canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (HC-BPPV) is attributed to free floating particles in the anterior arm of the lateral semicircular canal – particles attached to the cupula facing the canal or particles attached to the cupula facing the utricle. Zuma e Maia described a new treatment for both canalithiasis of the anterior arm of the horizontal semicircular canal (HC) and cupulolithiasis of the HC. Seventeen patients with apogeotropic HC-BPPV were enrolled and treated with Zuma’s Maneuver. During the repositioning of the particles to the utricule, we observed the direction of the nystagmus evoked in each step of this maneuver in order to know where the otoliths were probably located. Eight patients were diagnosed with canalithiasis of the anterior arm, six patients with cupulolithiasis with the particles facing the canal and three patients with cupulolithiasis with the particles facing the utricle. Our data suggest that we can assume where the otoliths are probably located by observing the pattern of the nystagmus evoked in each step of the Zuma’s Maneuver in patients with apogeotropic HC-BPPV.

Introduction Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is the most common vestibular disorder, resulting from detached otoliths that migrate to one of the semicircular canals – canalolithiasis – or one of the cupulas – cupulolithiasis. The present study is related to lateral canal BPPVs, which may be either geotropic or apogeotropic. The geotropic variant of lateral semicircular canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (LC-BPPV) is attributed to free floating particles in the posterior arm of the lateral semicircular canal. Objectives To verify the possibility of employing the Zuma repositioning maneuver, with a brief modification, as an alternative treatment for geotropic LC-BPPV. Methods Seven patients with geotropic LC-BPPV were enrolled and treated with the Zuma modified maneuver. Patients were reevaluated 1 hour after a single maneuver, to confirm the resolution of vertigo and positional nystagmus. Results All seven patients achieved immediate resolution of vertigo and positional nystagmus as measured 1 hour after the application of the maneuver. Conclusion The Zuma modified maneuver was effective for geotropic LC-BPPV after a single application. The use of the Zuma maneuver for both apogeotropic and geotropic LC-BPPV may simplify the treatment of these patients.

Background: Posturography objectively assesses the central management of integrated peripheral sensory information (visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive) and the sensorimotor response required for balance. Recently published articles show the peculiarity of the currently available posturography devices and the variety of postural responses found. Aim: The goal of this integrative review is to analyze the confluence between the outcomes of different studies involving adults and elderly patients with no instability complaints evaluated at posturography. Methods: Of the 39 articles evaluated for eligibility, 9 articles met the criteria of this literature review. All studies included elderly patients (≥65 years). The posturography devices used were: NeuroCom®, Nintendo® Wii, and Bertec®. Results: The objective data provided by posturography differ as regards the calculation of the oscillatory trajectory and the tests performed. Postural instability was significant under different conditions among the articles. Conclusion: The final outcome analysis of the different studies showed that age and healthy aging result in modifications in posturography. Keywords: posturography, healthy aging, postural balance