Background: The Epley manoeuvre is the standard treatment for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and flunarizine shows potential in vertigo-related disorders, however, evidence on their combined use remains limited.
Aim: This retrospective study aimed to observe the therapeutic effect of flunarizine capsules plus Epley manoeuvre in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.
Subjects and methods: Eighty BPPV patients were divided into the control group (only the Epley manoeuvre) and the study group (flunarizine hydrochloride capsules alongside it). The therapeutic effects were observed after two weeks-treatment. The clinical treatment effective rates, DHI, VSI, BBS, cerebral blood flow velocities, and vestibular function test were compared. Patients were followed for one year to record recurrence and adverse events. Total effective rate included markedly effective and effective cases.
Results: The study group had a higher overall response rate (p < 0.05). Repeated-measures ANOVA showed significant post-treatment improvements in DHI, VSI, and BBS scores, with significant time × group interaction effects (p < 0.001). Cerebral blood flow velocities improved post-treatment, with significant time × group interactions (p < 0.05). Vestibular function improved post-treatment, but the main effect and time × group interaction did not reach statistical significance (p > 0.05). Recurrence was lower in the study group (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Flunarizine plus Epley manoeuvre is associated with better efficacy, symptom relief, cerebral blood flow, vestibular compensation, and lower recurrence in BPPV, with no increase in adverse events.
Keywords: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo; Epley manoeuvre; Flunarizine; recurrence; vestibular function test.