Long-term follow-up of patients with posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

Recurrence of posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (PC-BPPV) developed in one-third of patients when followed for an average of 5 years from diagnosis. History of head trauma and Ménière's disease contributed significantly to recurrence (p < 0.05). History of head trauma as an etiologic cause was more frequent in patients with recurrence of PC-BPPV.

To estimate recurrence in the long-term follow-up of patients with PC-BPPV after successful canalith repositioning maneuvers, and to determine which factors contribute to recurrence.

The charts of 118 patients with PC-BPPV were reviewed. Data of patients were recorded from the initial evaluation and treatment. Follow-up was performed at mean of 64 +/- 7.7 months after the initial phase. The Dix-Hallpike maneuver was performed for diagnosis, and all patients were treated by the canalith repositioning maneuver, which was repeated every 3 days until the patients were symptom-free or results of the Dix-Hallpike maneuver were negative.

At diagnosis, the most common etiology was idiopathic in 55 patients (46.6%). Recurrence occurred in 39 of 118 patients (33.1%). Recurrence occurred within the first 2 years in 21 of the 39 patients (53.8%). History of head trauma was a more frequent finding in patients who developed recurrence (12 of 39, 30.8%).