Epley Manuever
Other known aliases – canalith repositioning manuever
Definition – series of positions and manual manipulations used to reposition free-floating otoconia in the semicircular canals of the inner ear
Clinical Significance – The Epley maneuver is used to treat benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) by relocating the otoconia back to the utricle where they can no longer stimulate the cupula of the semicircular canal and cause vertigo.
History – Named after John Epley, an American otolaryngologist from Portland, OR, who received his medical degree from the Oregon Health Sciences University and fellowship from Stanford Medical Center. He pioneered the “canalith theory” of vestibular disease and published his eponymous maneuver in 1980 in the article entitled “New Dimensions of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo”. Dr. Epley is still in practice today.
References
- Firkin BG and Whitwirth JA. Dictionary of Medical Eponyms. 2nd ed. New York, NY; Parthenon Publishing Group. 1996.
- Bartolucci S, Forbis P. Stedman’s Medical Eponyms. 2nd ed. Baltimore, MD; LWW. 2005.
- Yee AJ, Pfiffner P. (2012). Medical Eponyms (Version 1.4.2) [Mobile Application Software]. Retrieved http://itunes.apple.com.
- Whonamedit – dictionary of medical eponyms. http://www.whonamedit.com
- Up To Date. www.uptodate.com
- Epley JM. New dimensions of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Otolaryngology and head and neck surgery. 1980;88(5):599-605. [pubmed]
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