Epidemiology of benign paroxysomal positional vertigo (BPPV) and risk factors for secondary BPPV: a population-based study

Abstract

BackgroundBPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo) is a disorder that causes sudden, spinning sensation for few seconds with specific head movements. Of all disorders of inner ear that causes dizziness, BPPP is the most common one. To understand this disorder, we conducted a retrospective study at a tertiary care ENT hospital in Eastern India.Aims and objectives1. To know the incidence of BPPV among all vertigo patients.2. To know the age-sex distribution of BPPV.3. To identify secondary causes of BPPV and their prevalence.4. To know the incidence of different canal BPPVs.5. To ascertain the treatment outcome of different particle repositioning maneuvers in BPPV.MethodsTotal 575 patients presented to the vertigo clinic from 15 September 2018 to 21 March 2022. Out of them 151 patients (26.6%) were diagnosed with BPPV by proper history taking, clinical examination including provocative tests. They were treated with appropriate particle repositioning maneuvers (PRM). Patients were followed for mean 6 months and results were analyzed.Results and analysisOf all vertigo patients, BPPV constitutes 26.6% of cases, making it most common cause of peripheral vertigo. It commonly affects 40–60 years of age group with equal sex predilection. Eighty-three percent of cases were idiopathic, secondary causes include vestibular migraine, Meniere’s disease, labyrinthitis, and orthostatic hypotension. Posterior canal was most commonly affected (74%), followed by lateral and anterior canal. Particle repositioning maneuver (PRM) cures 96% of all BPPV patients (75% needs only one PRM, 15% requires the second one) with overall success rate of 96% after 6 months of follow-up.ConclusionBPPV is the most common cause of peripheral vertigo. One has to understand the anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology of vestibular system to provide better patient care in these patients. Particle repositioning maneuver (PRM) is the treatment for BPPV.