Chapter 9 - Positional Vertigo: As Occurs Across All Age Groups

Abstract

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common cause of vertigo. Etiology may vary across the lifespan, with repetitive, strenuous, or traumatic head movements more likely in children and young adults. Migraine may be a contributory factor in both children and adults, and a search for a migraine history is appropriate in recurrent BPPV in younger age groups. BPPV is more commonly reported in older adults, and the incidence increases with age. The pathophysiology and treatment of posterior and lateral semicircular canal BPPV are reviewed, and evidence-based outcome data are summarized.