Benign positional vertigo: clinical and oculographic features in 240 cases

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Ophthalmology
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Benign positional vertigo (BPV) is a common vestibular disorder.
• Understanding its clinical and oculographic features is crucial for diagnosis and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the clinical and oculographic characteristics of 240 patients diagnosed with BPV.
• To identify common causes and demographic patterns in BPV patients.

Main Methods:

• Visual observation and electronystagmography (ENG) to record paroxysmal positional nystagmus.
• Analysis of patient demographics, onset age, and potential triggers.
• Bithermal caloric testing and ENG for central sign assessment.

Main Results:

• A stereotyped torsional paroxysmal positional nystagmus was observed in all patients.
• Mean age of onset was 54 years; head trauma (17%) and viral neurolabyrinthitis (15%) were leading causes.
• Females predominated in the idiopathic group; 47% showed caloric testing abnormalities, with rare central ENG signs.

Conclusions:

• BPV is characterized by peripheral nystagmus, often linked to head trauma or viral infections.
• The findings support a peripheral origin, specifically the posterior semicircular canal, for most BPV cases.