Study Protocol for Assessing Serum Superoxide Dismutase Response to a Novel Head Rotation Maneuver in Posterior Canal Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo Treatment

Abstract Background: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a condition with sudden onset which causes short episodes of severe vertigo on altering the position of the head. Superoxide dismutases (SODs) are antioxidant proteins that regulate oxidative stress response in the body. Through this study, we evaluate the role of SOD in causing BPPV and effect of a new alternating maneuver, head rotation maneuver, for the treatment of BPPV of the posterior canal in reducing oxidative stress levels. Methodology: For investigating the role of serum SOD in the occurrence of BPPV Posterior canal, 60 BPPV and 60 healthy controls will be recruited. Their serum samples will be collected and SOD levels will be evaluated through colorimetry. For evaluating the effectiveness of head rotation maneuver in reducing the oxidative stress, patients with posterior canal BPPV (PC-BPPV) will be enrolled and divided into two groups through random allocation. Both the groups will be treated with head rotation and Epley maneuvers, respectively, by two separate therapists. Post-therapy SOD level will also be assessed. Results: Two-way repeated measures analysis of variance will be used to compare the groups’ improvement; treatment measures will be referred to as intergroup variables. Binary logistic regression analysis will be used to determine how SOD levels affect BPPV and recurrent BPPV. Pre- and postmaneuver SOD level will also be compared. Conclusion: SOD can be established as a reliable and strong biomarker for the occurrence of BPPV. Moreover, head rotation maneuver which is easy to perform can be used for managing PC-BPPV if the results show promising outcomes.