Is the Yacovino maneuver effective in the treatment of anterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo?

Objectives: The purpose of our study was to objectively identify the often-overlooked anterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and to assess the efficacy of the Yacovino treatment maneuver in patients through both objective and subjective evaluations. Patients and Methods: The prospective study evaluated 360 patients (246 females, 114 males; mean age: 58.7±12.7 years; range, 18 to 75 years) with BPPV between December 2020 and March 2024. We applied the Yacovino treatment maneuver to patients diagnosed with anterior canal BPPV. We evaluated the treatment outcomes using videonystagmography and the Dizziness Handicap Inventory. Results: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo of the posterior semicircular canal was observed in 275 (76.3%) cases, BPPV of the horizontal semicircular canal was observed in 62 (17.2%) cases, and BPPV of the anterior semicircular canal was observed in 23 (6.5%) cases. A comparison of total Dizziness Handicap Inventory scores before maneuvers and after recovery revealed a statistically significant improvement in patients (p<0.001). Conclusion: The Yacovino maneuver is easy to apply and highly effective in treating anterior canal BPPV. Supine head hanging test should be conducted in patients who are suspected of having BPPV.