Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

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Last reviewed: March 2019

Last updated: April 2019

Summary

Common, often self-limiting condition, but can be chronic and relapsing.

Diagnosis is based on a suggestive history and physical examination with a positive Dix-Hallpike manoeuvre or a positive supine lateral head turn. Other tests are not usually required.

Medication is not an effective treatment option.

Repositioning manoeuvres are highly efficacious in resolving an episode of BPPV.

Surgery is highly effective but is reserved for intractable and severe cases.

Definition

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a peripheral vestibular disorder that manifests as sudden, short-lived episodes of vertigo elicited by specific head movements. BPPV is one of the most common causes of vertigo. It is often self-limiting, but can become chronic and relapsing with considerable effects on a patient's quality of life. Most cases result from the migration of free-floating endolymph canalith particles (thought to be displaced otoconia from the utricular otolithic membrane) into the posterior (more commonly), horizontal (less commonly), or anterior (rarely) semicircular canals, rendering them sensitive to gravity. [1]

History and exam

Key diagnostic factors

presence of risk factors
specific provoking positions
brief duration of vertigo
episodic vertigo
severe episodes of vertigo
sudden onset of vertigo
nausea, imbalance, and lightheadedness
absence of associated neurological or otological symptoms
normal neurological examination
positive Dix-Hallpike manoeuvre or positive supine lateral head turn
normal otological examination

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Other diagnostic factors

age >50 years
female sex
positional vertigo in absence of nystagmus

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Risk factors

increasing age
female sex
head trauma
vestibular neuronitis
labyrinthitis
migraines
inner ear surgery
Meniere's disease
otitis media
hypertension
hyperlipidaemia
diabetes
vertebrobasilar insufficiency
giant cell arteritis
osteoporosis
intubation
habitual lateral head-positioning during bed rest (ipsilateral BPPV)

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Diagnostic investigations

1st investigations to order

Dix-Hallpike manoeuvre
supine lateral head turns

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Investigations to consider

audiogram
brain MRI

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Treatment algorithm

ACUTE

initial presentation

ONGOING

multiple repositioning manoeuvres and vestibular rehabilitation exercises ineffective

Contributors

Authors VIEW ALL 

Lorne S. Parnes, MD, FRCSC

Lorne S. Parnes

Professor

Departments of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and Clinical Neurological Sciences

University of Western Ontario

London

Canada

Disclosures

LSP is an author of a number of references cited in this topic.

Shahin Nabi, MD, FRCSC

Departments of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and Clinical Neurological Sciences

University of Western Ontario

London

Canada

Disclosures

SN declares that he has no competing interests.

Peer reviewers VIEW ALL 

Joel Goebel, MD, FACS

Professor and Vice Chairman

Residency Program Director

Dizziness and Balance Center Director

Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery

Washington University School of Medicine

St. Louis

MO

Disclosures

JG is an author of a number of references cited in this topic.

Stephen P. Cass, MD

Associate Professor

Department of Otolaryngology

University of Colorado

Aurora

CO

Disclosures

SPC is an author of a number of references cited in this topic.

Steven D. Rauch, MD

Associate Professor of Otology and Laryngology

Harvard Medical School

Boston

MA

Disclosures

SDR declares that he has no competing interests.

Malcolm Hilton, BA, BMBCh, FRCS (Eng), FRCS (ORL-HNS)

Consultant Otolaryngologist & Honorary Lecturer

Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation Trust

Exeter

UK

Disclosures

MH is the author of one reference cited in this topic.

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