Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo - Symptoms, Causes, Images, and Treatment Options

Diseases

Highlights & Basics

Key Highlights

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common, often self-limited condition, but can be chronic and relapsing.
Diagnosis is based on a suggestive history and physical exam with a positive Dix-Hallpike maneuver or a positive supine lateral head turn. Other tests are not usually required.
Medication is not an effective treatment option.
Repositioning maneuvers are highly efficacious in resolving an episode of BPPV.
Surgery is highly effective but is reserved for intractable and severe cases.

Quick Reference

History & Exam
- Key Factors
- Other Factors
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Diagnostics Tests
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Treatment Options
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Definition

Epidemiology

Etiology

Pathophysiology

Images

Spatial orientation of the semicircular canals
Osseous (gray/white) and membranous (lavender) labyrinth of the left inner ear
Left inner ear. Depiction of canalithiasis of the posterior canal and cupulolithiasis of the lateral canal
Dix-Hallpike maneuver
Lateral (horizontal) canal BPPV
Dix-Hallpike maneuver
Particle-repositioning maneuver (right ear)
Liberatory maneuver of Semont (right ear)

Citations

Key Articles

Hilton MP, Pinder DK. The Epley (canalith repositioning) manoeuvre for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014 Dec 8;(12):CD003162.[Abstract][Full Text]
Leveque M, Labrousse M, Seidermann L, et al. Surgical therapy in intractable benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2007 May;136(5):693-8.[Abstract]

Referenced Articles

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