Risk Factors and Clinical Features of Recurrent Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

Abstract

Background and Objectives Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is treated with appropriate canalith repositioning procedures, which are very effective for the treatment of BPPV. Nevertheless, the recurrence of BPPV may occur after the initial successful treatment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the risk factors and clinical features of recurrent BPPV. Subjects and Method The retrospective study was performed for 227 patients who were diagnosed with BPPV and treated with appropriate canalith repositioning procedures from March 2013 to December 2014. We analyzed various clinical characteristics, locations and types of canalith for the whole BPPV patients, and the interval and frequency of recurrence in the patients of recurrent BPPV. Results Of the total of 227 BPPV patients, 47 patients were recurrent BPPV (21%). The patients of recurrent BPPV were significantly older than those of non-recurrent BPPV (p=0.034). BPPV patients recurred more with increased age, with the significantly increased frequency of recurrence (p=0.010). Twenty two patients were posterior semicircular canal canalolithiasis (PSCC) (46.8%) and 25 patients were lateral semicircular canal canalolithiasis (LSCC) (53.2%). The number of canalith repositioning procedures was significantly higher in LSCC patients than in PSCC patients (p=0.041). The location change of affected canal were identified for 23 patients and the type change of LSCC to ipsilateral PSCC was the most common. Conclusion Age is an important prognostic factor to be considered in BPPV recurrence. Also, the affected semicircular canals were frequently changed in the recurrent BPPV.

Case Report of 2 Patients of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo Treated with Korean Medical Treatment

“…BPPV는 어지럼증의 환자 중 약 20%을 차지하여, 회전성 말초성 현훈 질환 중에서 가장 높은 원인 질환이다 2) . 대부분의 BPPV는 원인을 알 수 없는 특발성으로 발생하며 7-17%는 외 상, 내이염, 메니에르병, 편두통 등에 의하여 유발된다고 보고 되었다 3) .…”