[Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: analysis of our population and role of caloric tests]

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common cause of vertigo in those patients who seek medical care. Although videonystagmography seems the most indicated diagnostic test, we tried to decrease the requested caloric tests to optimise resources and reduce associated costs.

We developed a diagnostic-therapeutic algorithm for patients with suspected BPPV whose provocation tests are positive to evaluate the need for caloric testing. We analysed the results of its application on 98 patients who were referred to our Neuro-otology Unit over 15 months requesting videonystagmography and caloric tests.

Only 24% of the requested tests were performed. No significant difference was found in our recurrence rate compared with other series of Spanish patients.

Videonystagmography and caloric tests are not strictly necessary in most patients with BPPV and they should be performed only in patients whose diagnosis is unclear.