[An introduction of different positioning tests of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and their clinical values]

To explore the clinical value of different positioning tests for different benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).

This research applies Dix-Hallpike test and Side-lying test for PC-BPPV, Roll test and WRW test for HC-BPPV, Dix-Hallpike test, Side-lying test and Rahko T maneuvers for SC-BPPV. Six hundred and thirteen cases, who were tested with different positioning tests in the sequence of firstly PC-BPPV then HC-BPPV and finally SC-BPPV, were randomly divided into 2 groups. The order of positioning tests for PC-BPPV and HC-BPPV in the two groups was reversed.

There's no significant difference between the detection rate of Dix-Hallpike test and Side-lying test for PC-BPPV (P > 0.05). Similarly, there's no difference in statistics between the detection rate of Roll test and WRW test for HC-BPPV (P > 0.05). However, the detection rate of Rahko T maneuver was higher than the other two tests for SC-BPPV and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The detection rates of different positioning tests for PC-BPPV and HC-BPPV between the two groups were not different in statistics (P > 0.05), which implies that the different order had no effect on the sensitivity of each positioning test.

Dix-Hallpike test is recommended as the first choice for PC-BPPV for its more efficient stimulus to the posterior semicircular canal, and Side-lying test is recommended as a prior choice to the patients with suspected PC-BPPV but unable to receive Dix-Hallpike test because of its similar sensitivity and more convenient manipulation. The detection rate of Both Roll test and WRW test were higher than 90% and there's no significant difference between the two tests. In addition, Roll test is easier to perform and helpful for the therapy, so its considered as the preferred test for HC-BPPV with WRW test as the supplement test. Nevertheless, for SC-BPPV the sensitivity of Rahko T maneuver was higher than that of the other two tests, so it can be used to confirm the suspected SC-BPPV patients detected or missed diagnosed by the two other tests. To avoid misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis, the judgment of affected semicircular canal is determined not only by positioning test but also by the feature of nystagmus.