Aging Is a Risk Factor for Utricular Dysfunction in Idiopathic Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Neuroscience
• Geriatrics

Background:

• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a prevalent cause of dizziness, particularly in older adults.
• The dislodgement of otoconia in BPPV may indicate underlying otolith organ damage.
• Aging's role as a risk factor for otolith dysfunction in idiopathic BPPV requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if aging is a risk factor for peripheral vestibular dysfunction in patients with idiopathic BPPV.
• To analyze the association between age, affected side, affected canal, and vestibular test abnormalities.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 112 idiopathic BPPV patients.
• Assessment using cervical VEMP to air-conducted sound (ACS cVEMP), BCV ocular VEMP (BCV oVEMP), and caloric testing.
• Binomial logistic regression analysis to identify risk factors.

Main Results:

• The elderly group (≥65 years) demonstrated a significant association with abnormal BCV oVEMPs (p=0.0109).
• The odds ratio for abnormal BCV oVEMPs in the elderly was 2.676 compared to younger individuals.
• No significant association was found between age and abnormalities in ACS cVEMPs or caloric testing.

Conclusions:

• Aging is a significant risk factor for otolith organ dysfunction, specifically the utricle, in idiopathic BPPV.
• Bone-conducted vibration ocular VEMP testing is sensitive to age-related changes in the vestibular system.
• Further research should explore the mechanisms linking aging and otolith dysfunction in BPPV.