Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 25, 2025

Three Dimensional Vestibular Ocular Reflex Testing Using a Six Degrees of Freedom Motion Platform
Published on: May 23, 2013
Five subtypes of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
1Ichijo Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic, Hirosaki, Japan.
Background:
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is classified into five subtypes according to the features of positional nystagmus: lateral canalolithiasis, lateral light cupula, lateral heavy cupula, posterior canalolithiasis and posterior heavy cupula.
Objectives:
The first aim of the study was to clarify whether the lateral canal type or posterior canal type was more common. The second aim of the study was to assess the aetiology of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo by investigating the onset time of each subtype.
Methods:
The subjects were 512 consecutive patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. The patients were prospectively aggregated, and interviews were used to evaluate onset time.
Results:
The lateral canal type (55.5 per cent) was more common than the posterior canal type (44.5 per cent). Time of awakening was the most common onset time in every subtype.
Conclusion:
The incidence of lateral canal type is higher than that of posterior canal type. The aetiology of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is closely related to sleep.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Equilibrium and Balance
The Vestibular System
Pathophysiology of Vomiting
Seizures: Classification
Seizures are typically classified into two main categories: focal and generalized seizures.
Focal Seizures
Focal seizures originate from specific regions of the brain. These seizures are further sub-classified into two types:
Cranial Nerves: Types Part I
Olfactory Nerve (Cranial Nerve I)
The olfactory nerve, or cranial nerve I, is unique as it is purely sensory and dedicated to the sense of smell. This nerve originates in the olfactory epithelium of the...
Cranial Nerves: Types Part II
Facial Nerve (Cranial Nerve VII)
Cranial nerve VII, or the facial nerve,...

