Abstract
ObjectiveTo investigate whether mechanical vibrational energy from using an electric toothbrush may cause an increase in the incidence of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and prevent successful treatment of BPPV with canalith repositioning procedure.MethodsThis was a retrospective study conducted at an otolaryngology private practice. A survey of 111 patients who were diagnosed with BPPV in an otolaryngology practice between May 2012 and January 2017 was conducted using a questionnaire that included questions regarding demographics, inner ear pathology, treatment method, and use of an electric toothbrush. The results were recorded and compared using a chi-square test of analysis or Fisher’s exact test.ResultsOverall, 47 (42.3%) of the 111 BPPV patients used an electric toothbrush, whereas 64 of the 111 (57.6%) patients did not. Six (12.7%) of the 47 patients experienced dizziness with electric toothbrush use. Of the 47 patients using an electric toothbrush, 33 (70.2%) had a resolution of symptoms after Epley treatment, whereas 14 (23.4%) of 47 patients did not. Of the 64 patients who did not use an electric toothbrush, 15 (23.4%) did not have resolution after Epley treatment. Of the 47 patients using an electric toothbrush, 6 (12.8%) had a recurrence of BPPV diagnosed in the office, whereas 41 (82.2%) did not. Seven (10.9%) of those who did not use an electric toothbrush had a recurrence of BPPV, whereas 57 (89.1%) of the 64 patients did not. These results were not statistically significant (p = 0.77).ConclusionsThis study suggests that the mechanical vibrations from electric toothbrush use do not have an association with recurrent BPPV. The results align with some publications demonstrating that vibrations in the head and neck area from the use of an electric toothbrush can initiate dizziness; however, it does not appear that this modality of vibration is significant for inducing recurrent BPPV.
Highlights
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common type of vestibular disorder, with a lifetime prevalence estimated at 2.4% in the general population [1]
Of the 47 patients using an electric toothbrush, 6 (12.8%) had a recurrence of BPPV diagnosed in the office, whereas 41 (82.2%) did not
Seven (10.9%) of those who did not use an electric toothbrush had a recurrence of BPPV, whereas 57 (89.1%) of the 64 patients did not
Summary
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common type of vestibular disorder, with a lifetime prevalence estimated at 2.4% in the general population [1]. BPPV is typically idiopathic but can occur after head trauma or secondary to various disorders that damage the inner ear and detach otoliths from the utricle [2]. A possible explanation of this type of vertigo could be based on the detachment of fragments from the utricle’s otolithic membrane. BPPV can be diagnosed using provocation maneuvers such as the DixHallpike and Pagnini-McClure tests [2]. Canalith repositioning procedures effectively treat BPPV, but despite the demonstrated efficacy of these maneuvers and the possible spontaneous resolution, symptoms may persist [3]
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