Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo Secondary to Mild Head Trauma

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Neurology
• Vestibular Disorders

Background:

• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common vestibular disorder.
• The clinical presentation and outcomes of BPPV secondary to mild head trauma are not well-characterized.
• Understanding differences between traumatic and idiopathic BPPV is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the clinical characteristics, nystagmographic findings, and treatment outcomes of BPPV secondary to mild head trauma.
• To compare these features with those of idiopathic BPPV.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 33 patients with BPPV secondary to mild head trauma.
• Comprehensive otolaryngological, audiological, neurotologic, and imaging evaluations were performed.
• Comparison with a control group of 320 patients with idiopathic BPPV.

Main Results:

• BPPV post-mild head trauma patients were younger with more intense symptoms.
• Increased involvement of horizontal and anterior semicircular canals, with more multiple and bilateral canal involvement.
• Higher incidence of canal paresis and spontaneous nystagmus observed.
• Poorer treatment results and higher recurrence rates were noted, often linked to canal paresis.

Conclusions:

• BPPV associated with mild head trauma exhibits distinct epidemiological and clinical features compared to idiopathic BPPV.
• This subgroup of BPPV demonstrates less effective treatment responses.
• BPPV secondary to mild head trauma is associated with a higher propensity for recurrence.