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Life events and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: a case-controlled study.
Daniele Monzani1, Elisabetta Genovese, Virginia Rovatti
1Department of Neuroscience, Otolaryngology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, Modena, Italy. monzani.daniele@unimore.it
Acta Oto-Laryngologica
|July 26, 2006
Summary
Emotional stress and adverse life events may trigger benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). This study found higher levels of anxiety, depression, and somatization in BPPV patients, suggesting psychological distress contributes to this vestibular disorder.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common peripheral vestibular disorder with largely unknown etiology.
- Emotional stress is linked to other inner ear conditions like Ménière's disease and sudden hearing loss.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential causal relationship between life events, mood, psychological attitudes, and the onset of BPPV.
- To explore the role of psychological distress in precipitating peripheral vestibular disorders.
Main Methods:
- Fifty BPPV patients were compared to 50 matched healthy controls.
- Psychometric questionnaires assessed life events, anxiety, depression, somatization, and obsessive-compulsive attitudes.
- Standard audiological and vestibular examinations were performed.
Main Results:
- BPPV patients reported significantly more life events, particularly negative ones with poor control, in the year prior to symptom onset.
- Elevated levels of anxiety, depression, somatization, and obsessive-compulsive traits were observed in BPPV patients.
- No significant difference in positive life events was found between groups.
Conclusions:
- Clinical evidence suggests emotional stress and adverse life events may trigger BPPV by affecting otoconial function.
- Psychological distress, including anxiety and depression, appears to be a psychogenic precursor to BPPV.
- Assessing life stress and psychological factors may aid in managing BPPV and preventing relapses.