canalith repositioning procedure
Pronunciation: KAN-uh-lith re-POZ-ih-shun-ing
A manoeuvre-based treatment for BPPV in which the clinician guides the patient through a sequence of head and body positions to move displaced otoconia out of the affected semicircular canal.
Full Definition
Canalith repositioning procedures (CRPs) include the Epley manoeuvre, the Semont manoeuvre, and the Brandt-Daroff exercises, each tailored to the specific canal affected. In geriatric settings, the Epley manoeuvre is the most widely used and evidenced intervention. The term 'canalith repositioning' should not be used interchangeably with 'vestibular rehabilitation', as CRPs are single-session or short-course mechanical interventions rather than ongoing exercise programmes. Editors should ensure that named manoeuvres are capitalised (Epley, Semont) and that 'canalith' is spelled without an 'e' ('canalith', not 'canolith' or 'canalith').
Usage
Usage note: Capitalise the names of specific manoeuvres (Epley, Semont, Brandt-Daroff). Do not use 'canalith repositioning' and 'vestibular rehabilitation' interchangeably.
In Context
- "The physiotherapist performed a canalith repositioning procedure using the Epley manoeuvre, resolving the patient's positional dizziness within two sessions." — Physiotherapy treatment note
- "Authors should distinguish between canalith repositioning procedures and the broader vestibular rehabilitation programme described in the preceding section." — Editorial style guidance for rehabilitation journal