Co-occurrence of Otologic Disorders and Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Neurology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common vestibular disorder.
• The relationship between BPPV and other otologic conditions requires further investigation.
• Understanding co-occurrence can inform diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and quantify the co-occurrence of otologic disorders and BPPV.
• To analyze prevalence rates in both directions: otologic disorders in BPPV patients and BPPV in otologic disorder patients.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search of PubMed and Web of Science.
• Inclusion of English-language studies with participants aged 18 years or older.
• Classification of studies into two groups based on the primary diagnosis and analysis using descriptive statistics and meta-analyses.

Main Results:

• 68 articles were analyzed, revealing significant co-occurrence.
• In patients with BPPV, 11.4% had co-occurring otologic disorders, most commonly sudden sensorineural hearing loss (11.9%) and acute unilateral vestibulopathy/vestibular neuritis (5.0%).
• In patients with otologic disorders, 9.7% experienced concurrent BPPV, with Menière's disease showing the highest concurrence rate (10.2%).

Conclusions:

• Otologic disorders and BPPV frequently co-occur.
• Clinical screening for both conditions should be considered.
• Findings may contribute to understanding the underlying etiologies of BPPV.