Post-traumatic Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo Research Articles

Efficacy of computer-controlled repositioning maneuvers for post-traumatic benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

Background Post-traumatic benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (T-BPPV) is considered to be one of the most common secondary BPPV. But the exact diagnosis and treatment strategy of t-BPPV remains challenging to physicians because of patients’ physical limitations. In this situation, we used computer-controlled repositioning maneuvers (CCRM) to make t-BPPV patients’ diagnosis and treatment easier. Objectives This study aims to evaluate the short-term effect of CCRM for treating t-BPPV patients. Material and methods A total of 36 patients diagnosed with t-BPPV were treated by CCRM. CCRM was carried out every 48 h until patients were cured and patients were follow-up after treatment for six-month. The results of Dix-Hallpike test and supine roll test were the main outcome measures to assess efficacy of the treatment. Results Overall, 24(66.7%) patients had involvement of multiple semicircular canals. All patients obtained final resolution of vertigo and nystagmus with a maximum of 18 maneuvers. No significant adverse effect and complication occurred during the treatment process. Conclusions T-BPPV is apt to involve multiple canals, and is difficult to treat, with no gender tendency. CCRM is effective and secure for the treatment of t-BPPV, especially for patients with cervical movement limitation. Significance With the help of CCRM, we are able to make t-BPPV patients’ diagnosis and treatment more accurate and simple.

Early management for traumatic benign paroxysmal positional vertigo in traumatically injured patients

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to identify the clinical features of posttraumatic benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (t-BPPV) in traumatically injured patients, investigating the effectiveness of the early diagnosis and management including canalith repositioning procedures (CRPs). Patients and methodsThe subjects of the present study were 74 patients who were hospitalized in the Trauma Center, Ajou University Hospital. We investigated the relationship between injury mechanisms and t-BPPV. Patients with t-BPPV were categorized into mild (typical BPPV) and severe (bilateral, recurrent, or persistent) types. ResultsOf the 74 patients, 41 were diagnosed with t-BPPV. Nineteen were mild and 22 were severe types. ‘A fall’ (36%) and ‘pedestrian car accident’ (32%) were common as the injury mechanisms provoking severe t-BPPV. In the severe t-BPPV group, they were hospitalized longer (as median value, 20 days in the severe group vs. 10 days in the mild group, P = 0.004), stayed longer in intensive care unit (3 days vs. 0 days, P = 0.016), and needed more days until the BPPV management (13.5 days vs. 6 days, P = 0.021). Major trauma (the Injury Severity Score >15) patients had a longer time to implementation of the first CRPs (10 days in major trauma and 3 days in minor trauma patients, P = 0.019). ConclusionsSeverity of trauma and longer duration of ICU treatment were factors delaying BPPV management. This delay could negatively affect the progress of t-BPPV. Diagnostic and therapeutic maneuvers including CRPs should be performed as early as possible, even in severely injured patients.

Traumatic benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: personal experience and comparison with idiopathic BPPV

Objective Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common cause of vestibular vertigo, with post-traumatic origin in about 15% of cases. Management and prognosis of traumatic BPPV (T-BPPV) are still debated, especially about recurrence. The aim was to compare T-BPPV to idiopathic (I-BPPV). Design and study sample We analysed data about 795 BPPV patients: 716 idiopathic (90%) and 79 post-traumatic (10%), evaluating clinical history and bedside-examination, treating all patients with repositioning manoeuvres and reassessing them until the resolution of symptoms and nystagmus. Results Persistence rate in T-BPPV and I-BPPV patients was significantly different (p = 0.0074, OR = 2.31), respectively 12.6% and 5%. Also the rate of bilateral disease (p = 0.0063, OR = 4.72) and multicanalar involvement (p = 0.0183; OR = 4.67) were significantly higher in T-BPPV patients . There were no significant differences in age and sex distribution, side and canal interested. In T-BPPV group, the resolution rate with one manoeuvre was lower than I-BPPV (p = 0.0132: OR: 0,56). Recurrence rate was 38% in the T-BPPV group and 30.6% in the I-BPPV group, without significant difference. Conclusions T-BPPV resulted different from I-BPPV in the resolution rate, bilateral or multiple canal involvement and persistence rate. T-BPPV and I-BPPV does not differ for recurrence rate, suggesting that, after resolution, the natural course of post-traumatic and idiopathic BPPV is similar.

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo associated with trauma, middle and inner ear diseases

The aim of the study is to compare clinical symptoms and treatment of posttraumatic benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), BPPV associated with middle and inner ear diseases and idiopathic BPPV (iBPPV). 640 patients with BPPV of various canals were enrolled in the study. 455 (71.1%) patients had iBPPV, 185 (28.9%) had secondary BPPV. Among patients with secondary BPPV in 16 (2.5%) patients it was associated with Meniere's disease (MD), in 34 (5.3%) patients - with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL), in 14 (2.2%) patients - with vestibular neuritis (VN), in 19 (2.9%) patients - with acute and chronic otitis media (OM) and in 75 (11.7%) patients - with chronic sensorineural hearing loss (CSHL). Posttraumatic BPPV was observed in 27 (4.2%) patients. All patients were treated with repositioning maneuvers and observed for recurrences the following 3 years. IBPPV is the most frequent type in population and has the most favorable prognosis. Combined involvement of posterior and horizontal canals is more frequent in BPPV associated with MD, SSHL and OM in comparison with iBPPV (p<0.01). BPPV associated with BM, SSHL and VN is more resistant to treatment with repositioning maneuvers in comparison with iBPPV: successful treatment with one performed maneuver is more rarely and more follow-up visits to the doctor are needed (p<0.01). BPPV associated with MD has higher recurrence rate (p=0.04). The clinical course of BPPV associated with CSHL and posttraumatic BPPV is most similar to iBPPV.

Disconnect between available literature and clinical practice: Exploring gaps in the management of t-BPPV in the emergency department

Background: Healthcare costs associated with the diagnosis of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) alone approach $2 billion per year in the United States. Post-traumatic BPPV (t-BPPV) is well recognized, and can be managed with simple bedside physical maneuvers. Despite the availability of literature and clear guidelines supporting this approach, physical maneuvers are underutilized. The aim of this study was to explore the reasons for this practice disagreement. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of emergency physicians (EP) and non-emergency physicians (Non-EPs) managing head injury patients was conducted. The survey questions were aimed to explore the attitude of these frontline healthcare providers towards the diagnosis and management of t-BPPV in head injury patients. Results: A total of 102 physicians completed the survey. Of them, male physicians constituted 87.2%, and the majority were working as emergency physicians (80.4%). Although nearly three-fourths (72.5%; n = 74) of the participants admitted that it is important to explore the possibility of t-BPPV in patients with head injury, only one-fifth of the participating physicians (20.6%; 21 of 102) confirmed that they would investigate for t-BPPV. A lack of knowledge about t-BPPV in more than half of the study participants (55.9%; n = 57) was the main reason for them not probing the possibility of t-BPPV. Conclusion: To close the gap between available evidence-based guidelines and actual clinical practice, there is a need for raising awareness about this condition. Addressing the training needs of frontline healthcare providers to use physical maneuvers such as Dix–Hallpike (DHM) and canalith repositioning (CRP) maneuvers in the management of t-BPPV is an important step that needs to be taken.

Diagnosis is a team sport - partnering with allied health professionals to reduce diagnostic errors: A case study on the role of a vestibular therapist in diagnosing dizziness.

Diagnostic errors are the most common, most costly, and most catastrophic of medical errors. Interdisciplinary teamwork has been shown to reduce harm from therapeutic errors, but sociocultural barriers may impact the engagement of allied health professionals (AHPs) in the diagnostic process. A qualitative case study of the experience at a single institution around involvement of an AHP in the diagnostic process for acute dizziness and vertigo. We detail five diagnostic error cases in which the input of a physical therapist was central to correct diagnosis. We further describe evolution of the sociocultural milieu at the institution as relates to AHP engagement in diagnosis. Five patients with acute vestibular symptoms were initially misdiagnosed by physicians and then correctly diagnosed based on input from a vestibular physical therapist. These included missed labyrinthine concussion and post-traumatic benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV); BPPV called gastroenteritis; BPPV called stroke; stroke called BPPV; and multiple sclerosis called BPPV. As a consequence of surfacing these diagnostic errors, initial resistance to physical therapy input to aid medical diagnosis has gradually declined, creating a more collaborative environment for 'team diagnosis' of patients with dizziness and vertigo at the institution. Barriers to AHP engagement in 'team diagnosis' include sociocultural norms that establish medical diagnosis as something reserved only for physicians. Drawing attention to the valuable diagnostic contributions of AHPs may help facilitate cultural change. Future studies should seek to measure diagnostic safety culture and then implement proven strategies to breakdown sociocultural barriers that inhibit effective teamwork and transdisciplinary diagnosis.

Treating Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo in the Patient With Traumatic Brain Injury: Effectiveness of the Canalith Repositioning Procedure.

The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the canalith repositioning procedure (CRP) in the treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) among patients after mild-to-moderate traumatic brain injury. An unblinded, nonrandomized, case comparison interventional study with repeated measures (1, 5, 9, and 12 weeks postenrollment) of three groups of patients with traumatic brain injury (BPPV, n = 21; nonspecific dizziness, n = 23; no dizziness, n = 12) was conducted. Patients in the BPPV group received the CRP at baseline and repeatedly until a negative Dix-Hallpike Maneuver was observed. Participants in the other two groups did not receive the CRP. Symptom resolution at the 12-week follow-up was observed in 75% of patients in the BPPV group versus 8.3% in the nonspecific dizziness group (p = .0006). A significant Group × Time interaction was observed for the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (F = 4.2, p = .003) and 36-item Short Form Health Questionnaire physical component scores (F = 2.16, p = .035) with the BPPV group showing significantly improved scores by the 12-week follow-up. Although there were between-group differences on the 36-item Short Form Health Questionnaire mental health component scores (F = 4.06, p = .022), changes over time were not significant in the groups. Treatment with the CRP for posttraumatic BPPV resulted in significant symptom resolution and improvement in perceived physical health status.

Prevalence of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo among motocross racers: a case-control study

This study aims to investigate the prevalence of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) among motocross racers after cross-country up and downhill activities. This case-control study included 40 motocross racers (39 males, 1 female; mean age 26 years; range 21 to 43 years) and 40 healthy controls (30 males, 10 females; mean age 28 years; range 22 to 43 years) who had no hearing or balance problems. The Dix-Hallpike maneuver was applied to confirm the diagnosis of BPPV. Patients with BPPV were administered the Epley maneuver every week for one month and followed-up for treatment response assessment. Motocross and control groups were similar in terms of demographic and laboratory parameters. While BPPV was detected in four motocross racers (10%) according to Dix-Hallpike maneuver outcome and clinical findings, there was no BPPV in the control group. Of the motocross racers with BPPV, three had unilateral, one had bilateral disease. Of these patients, Epley maneuver was applied two times in two patients and three times in the other two patients. There was no vertigo or nystagmus in any of the patients with BPPV in one month. Intensive motocross activity is a cause of post-traumatic BPPV developing without head trauma. Large-scale, randomized controlled studies are needed to establish the post-traumatic etiology of BPPV in motocross racers.

Symptom Resolution Rates of Posttraumatic versus Nontraumatic Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo: A Systematic Review.

To determine the rate of symptom resolution in patients with posttraumatic benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and to determine if it differs from resolution rates in patients with BPPV and without a history of head trauma. Systematic review of the literature was performed using Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases. English and French articles meeting inclusion criteria and published between 1946 and October 2014 were included. Data were independently extracted from the articles by 2 reviewers using data collection forms developed a priori. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were decided a priori. Studies were included if they reported on at least 1 case of posttraumatic BPPV (t-BPPV), reported on outcomes of all patients with t-BPPV, had a clearly defined inception point, and provided a clear diagnosis of BPPV (defined a priori by reviewers). A total of 3017 titles, 362 abstracts, and 67 articles were reviewed, from which 16 articles met inclusion criteria and underwent data extraction. There were a total of 207 patients with posttraumatic BPPV identified. Among the 207 patients, 151 (73%) had resolution of symptoms. The T-BPPV patients may have more multi-canal involvement and may require more repositioning maneuvers for resolution compared to patients with nontraumatic BPPV. Available evidence does not support the notion that symptom resolution rates in patients with posttraumatic BPPV are worse than those with nontraumatic BPPV. However, well-designed studies with adequate cohorts are lacking. Additional well-executed studies are needed to confirm this lack of difference in resolution rates.

A survey of the nature of trauma of post-traumatic benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

Objective: A clinical description of post-traumatic benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (t-BPPV) in a large cohort is reported, sometimes caused by apparently insignificant minor head traumas. The aim of the study was to carefully assess the prevalence of t-BPPV and the main outcomes belonging to specific traumatic events. Design: Retrospective analysis of medical records of t-BPPV cases among patients suffering from BPPV. Study sample: Among 3060 patients with a clinical diagnosis of BPPV, we reviewed 716 clinical cases in which a clear association to a traumatic event was present. Results: A traumatic event was identified in 23.4% of total enrolled BPPV patients. Some minor head traumas could be more prone to determine BPPV in females. We confirmed that t-BPPV appeared significantly more difficult to treat than idiopathic form. Posterior canal t-BPPV cases required more treatment sessions before obtaining therapeutic success, while horizontal ones recovered at most after two repositioning maneuvers. Conclusion: Post-traumatic BPPV is considered one of the most common known etiologies. An accurate understanding of trauma mechanism, gender prevalence, and therapeutic success rates of each event, could be useful in adequately treating and planning follow-up examinations.

Clinical Manifestations of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo after Head Trauma

Received July 1, 2015 Revised August 12, 2015 Accepted August 28, 2015 Address for correspondence Dae Bo Shim, MD, PhD Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Myongji Hospital, Seonam University College of Medicine, 55 Hwasu-ro 14beon-gil, Deokyang-gu, Goyang 10475, Korea Tel +82-31-810-5451 Fax +82-31-969-0500 E-mail lovend77@gmail.com Background and ObjectivesZZThe purpose of this study was to identify the clinical characteristics of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) occurring after head trauma by comparing them to those of idiopathic BPPV (i-BPPV). Subjects and MethodZZWe analyzed retrospectively 820 patients diagnosed with BPPV. Patients were classified into two groups: post-traumatic BPPV (t-BPPV) group and i-BPPV group. We compared the clinical characteristics (age, sex, affected side, duration of vertigo, types of BPPV) and treatment outcomes between the two groups. ResultsZZThe study included 497 patients with i-BPPV and 56 patients with t-BPPV. There were no differences in age distribution and the affected side. The t-BPPV group had greater male preponderance (48%) than the i-BPPV group (24%) did and longer duration of vertigo compared to i-BPPV group (p=0.028). In addition, the t-BPPV group demonstrated higher horizontal canal BPPV/posterior canal BPPV ratio (t-BPPV vs. i-BPPV=0.54 vs. 0.20, p=0.008). Although the results of a single treatment outcome did not differ between the two groups (p=0.127), there was a greater tendency for the t-BPPV group to receive a higher number of therapeutic maneuvers until resolution than for the i-BPPV group (p=0.056). Recurrence rate also did not differ between the two groups (p=0.125). ConclusionZZThe clinical features did not differ significantly between the two groups, although t-BPPV demonstrated a tendency of low therapeutic efficacy and high recurrence rates compared to i-BPPV. This information may be helpful for clinicians in counseling and managing patients with t-BPPV. Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg 2015;58(12):836-40

Clinical Characteristics of Posttraumatic Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

Objectives: Although head trauma is considered a common cause of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), only a few studies have investigated posttraumatic BPPV (PT-BPPV). The aim of this study was to assess the clinical characteristics of PT-BPPV. Methods: We reviewed the clinical records of 19 patients with PT-BPPV during the years 2001 to 2012. Patients with an onset of positional vertigo within 3 days of well-documented head trauma were included in the PT-BPPV group. Their outcome was compared with that of 54 patients with idiopathic BPPV (i-BPPV) who were treated during the first half of 2011. We investigated the clinical characteristics of PT-BPPV and the clinical differences between the PT-BPPV and i-BPPV groups. Results: Members of the PT-BPPV group required more treatment sessions than did the members of the i-BPPV group ( P &lt; 0.05). The mean number of treatment sessions in the PT-BPPV and i-BPPV groups was 3.74 ± 3.07 and 2.22 ± 1.24, respectively. The recurrence rate in the PT-BPPV group (42.1%) was significantly higher than that in the i-BPPV group (18.5%; P &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that, compared to i-BPPV, PT-BPPV requires more treatment sessions to achieve remission and has a greater tendency to recur. We suggest the use of frequent treatment sessions and canalith repositioning maneuver for patients with PT-BPPV.

Presentation and outcome of post-traumatic benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

Conclusion: The clinical presentation and outcome of post-traumatic benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (t-BPPV) are different from those idiopathic BPPV (i-BPPV). It appears that t-BPPV is more difficult to treat than i-BPPV. Objective: To identify the clinical presentation and outcome of t-BPPV. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of 40 patients with BPPV after head injury during the period 2004–2011. The outcome was compared with the outcome of 46 patients with i-BPPV who were treated over the same period. Results: In all, 55% of patients with t-BPPV had involvement of two or more semicircular canals (SCCs) in comparison with 6.5% of patients with i-BPPV (p < 0.01). Also, 25% of patients with t-BPPV had involvement of bilateral SCCs in comparison with 2% of patients with i-BPPV (p < 0.01). We found that 35% of patients with t-BPPV were free of the symptoms and signs after a single physical repositioning maneuver, in comparison with 84% of patients with i-BPPV (p < 0.001). During a 1-year follow-up, 67% of patients with t-BPPV and 12% of patients with i-BPPV had a recurrent attack (p < 0.001).

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo following whiplash injury: a myth or a reality?

Objective The aim of the study was to evaluate the true incidence, diagnosis, and treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) arising after whiplash injury and to distinguish this type of posttraumatic vertigo from other types of dizziness complained after trauma. Methods This was a retrospective study comprising patients referred to our center after whiplash injury. The patients were evaluated with neurotologic examination including bedside and instrumental tests. A Dizziness Handicap Inventory evaluating the symptoms of patients was submitted before and after treatment and was evaluated. The BPPV patients were separately evaluated from those with cervicogenic vertigo, and a comparison between our data about idiopathic BPPV was done. Results Eighteen patients of whiplash who had BPPV were evaluated. The mean age was 38.2 years. BPPV was the cause of vertigo in 33.9% of total whiplash patients. In 16 cases, the posterior semicircular canal was involved; the lateral semicircular canal was involved in 2 cases. The instrumental neurotologic assessment did not show any alteration of either vestibulospinal reflexes or dynamic ocular movements. Duration of symptoms before treatment ranged from 3 to 26 days. A total of 55.5% of patients had relief from their symptoms after first repositioning maneuver. The Dizziness Handicap Inventory score improved in all patients treated with repositioning maneuvers, but no difference emerged with idiopathic BPPV data. Conclusion BPPV after whiplash injury could be unveiled with a simple bedside examination of peripheral vestibular system, and a treatment could be done in the same session. The diagnosis of posttraumatic BPPV is not different from the idiopathic form, but the treatment may require more maneuvers to achieve satisfactory results.

Evaluation of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo in Primary Health-Care and First Level Specialist Care

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common cause of vestibular vertigo, but it is not well known in routine clinical practice. To determine the awareness of BPPV outside the ENT clinic. Retrospective study of sixty-nine patients treated for BPPV between June 2005 and December 2006 at the specialist clinic. We analyzed the routes and details for their referral and the time elapsed since the start of the symptoms. 42 patients (61 %) were referred through the conventional route (primary health-care or non-hospital ENT); 17 patients (25 %) came from the emergency room (one third of them were admitted); the remainder were patients hospitalized for some other problem (5 %) or informal consultations (9 %). Only one patient had been referred with a specific diagnosis of BPPV. The onset of vertigo symptoms before treatment was, on average, 20 weeks (SD, 32 weeks) and was significantly longer among patients coming from primary care (28 weeks) as compared with the other groups (P < .01, Kruskall-Wallis test). The mean time to referral was shorter among patients with idiopathic BPPV or with BPPV secondary to recurrent vestibulopathy whereas it was more prolonged among patients with a concomitant pathology capable of justifying the presence of positional symptoms, such as vestibular neuritis or post-traumatic BPPV (P < .01, Kruskall-Wallis test). The medical cost of treating BPPV prior to referral has been calculated at euro364 per individual (mostly for non-specific medical treatments) instead of the euro136 needed for effective positional treatment. BPPV continues to be a poorly understood pathology outside specialist neuro-otologic clinics, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment, as well as the unnecessary consumption of resources.

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo in Mountain Bikers

We evaluated 4 men who had benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) that occured several hours after intensive mountain biking but without head trauma. The positional maneuvers in the planes of the posterior and horizontal canals elicited BPPV, as well as transitory nystagmus. This was attributed to both the posterior and horizontal semicircular canals (SCCs) on the left side in 1 patient, in these 2 SCCs on the right side in another patient, and to the right posterior SCC in the other 2 patients. The symptoms disappeared after physiotherapeutic maneuvers in 2 patients and spontaneously in the other 2 patients. Cross-country or downhill mountain biking generates frequent vibratory impacts, which are only partially filtered through the suspension fork and the upper parts of the body. Biomechanically, during a moderate jump, before landing, the head is subjected to an acceleration close to negative 1 g, and during impact it is subjected to an upward acceleration of more than 2g. Repeated acceleration-deceleration events during intensive off-road biking might generate displacement and/or dislocation of otoconia from the otolithic organs, inducing the typical symptoms of BPPV. This new cause of posttraumatic BPPV should be considered as an injury of minor severity attributed to the practice of mountain biking.