Climatic Variations as Indicators of Vitamin D Levels and Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo.

Giorgos Sideris,Thomas Nikolopoulos,George Korres,Alexander Delides,Vangelis Malamas,Marilia C Sapountzi

doi:10.7759/cureus.18811

Giorgos Sideris, Thomas Nikolopoulos + Show 4 more

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https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.18811

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Abstract

ObjectiveTo investigate the possible correlation between benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), seasonality, and climatic variations as indicators of vitamin D deficiency, since otoconia are calcium carbonate crystals.MethodsThis is a study of patients who received the diagnosis of BPPV from September 2015 to August 2019. Gender, age, and month of diagnosis were factors recorded and analyzed. The cut-off age of 50 years is used to include osteoporotic patients and postmenopausal women. Meteorological and climatic data of latitude, temperature, sunshine hours, humidity, precipitation, wind force, atmospheric pressure, and horizontal solar irradiance were collected.ResultsFour hundred and eighty-five patients were included in the study; 206 were male (42%) and 279 were female (58%). The mean age was 57.8±15.4 and 54.9±13.9, respectively; 192 patients were ≤50 years old (121 female and 71 male) and 293 patients were over 50 years old (135 male and 158 female). A statistical significance in seasonal variation during autumn months was demonstrated (p-value= 5.2 e-05, z-statistic: 9.8164). There was no statistical correlation between the median number of BPPV patients and the median sunshine hours per month, horizontal solar irradiance, or other climatic variables.ConclusionsOur study demonstrates seasonality in BPPV patients in Greece but no correlation between BPPV and climatic variations as a proxy for Vitamin-D levels was documented.

Highlights

Our study demonstrates seasonality in Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) patients in Greece but no correlation between BPPV and climatic variations as a proxy for Vitamin-D levels was documented
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is one of the most common peripheral vestibular diseases, characterized by brief episodes of vertigo triggered by abrupt changes in the position of the head
Because otoconia crystals are composed of the aminoacids otoconin and otolin, which are involved in the formation of calcium carbonate, a link between otolithic disorders and vitamin D deficiency is highly likely [3,4]

Summary

Introduction

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is one of the most common peripheral vestibular diseases, characterized by brief episodes of vertigo triggered by abrupt changes in the position of the head. BPPV is caused by the displacement of utricular otoconia into one of the inner ear's three semicircular canals. According to Minasyan et al, vitamin D receptor deficiency is associated with decreased balance function in mice. This observation leads to the hypothesis that there is a pathogenetic link between human balance control and low vitamin D levels [2]. Because otoconia crystals are composed of the aminoacids otoconin and otolin, which are involved in the formation of calcium carbonate, a link between otolithic disorders and vitamin D deficiency is highly likely [3,4]. Vitamin D2 is obtained through diet, while vitamin D3 is produced in the skin when exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. Vitamin D deficiency is typically observed in individuals who do not receive adequate sun exposure, do not consume certain types of vitamin D-rich foods, have impaired nutrient absorption, or are at an increased risk of osteoporosis

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