Barometric pressure and the incidence of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

Abstract

To investigate the relationship between barometric pressure and the incidence of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). 181 patients diagnosed with classic BPPV seen between 2011 and 2016 were identified. Demographic information, data of onset, and date of presentation were recorded. Historical barometric data for each of the 60 months were recorded. In addition, monthly counts of other atmospheric, infectious, and allergic variables for that time period were recorded. Correlation analysis compared monthly incidence of BPPV with absolute and relative changes in atmospheric conditions. The incidence of BPPV onset demonstrated a statistically significant positive correlation with barometric pressure, where every one-unit increase in barometric pressure leads to an expected increase of 6.1 diagnoses (p = 0.0008). The correlation coefficient (r) between barometric pressure and BPPV diagnoses was 0.66 (95% CI 0.14-0.90) with a p-value of 0.0131. Other seasonal variables demonstrated correlation, though none as strong as barometric pressure. Barometric pressure has been long been associated with conditions of the inner ear, though its relationship to the pathogenesis of BPPV has not been investigated. Monthly changes in barometric pressure, rather than the absolute value, may be responsible for the observed changes in incidence. These findings demonstrate a clear association between barometric pressure and BPPV that may help to explain both the etiology of BPPV and its possible connection to migraine-related conditions.