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Published on: May 23, 2013
Prevalence of "Reversal Nystagmus" in Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
Jeffrey Walter1, W James Azeredo1, J Scott Greene1
1Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Vestibular and Balance Center, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pennsylvania.
Purpose:
To investigate the prevalence of reversal nystagmus in individuals with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).
Study Design:
Prevalence of reversal nystagmus was assessed in 28 subjects with unilateral posterior canal BPPV, canalithiasis type. Six trials of Dix-Hallpike testing were completed for each subject.
Results:
Reversal nystagmus was present in 129 out of 167 Dix-Hallpike maneuvers that were performed (77.2%). In 19 trials where nystagmus was absent with the dependent position of Dix-Hallpike testing, reversal nystagmus was nonetheless demonstrated in 11 trials (57.9%).
Conclusion:
Reversal nystagmus is commonly demonstrated in individuals with posterior canal BPPV, canalithiasis type. It is frequently evoked even when there is no nystagmus with the dependent position of Dix-Hallpike testing. Observation of reversal nystagmus may enhance the identification of BPPV during Dix-Hallpike testing.
