Association of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo with meteorological factors in outpatient: a retrospective...

While previous studies have reported associations between benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and meteorological factors, the relationship remains contentious. This study investigates the correlation between key meteorological variables and BPPV incidence through multivariate analysis, providing new insights into its pathogenesis.

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 1,463 BPPV cases (excluding secondary vertigo) from two tertiary hospitals in Shanxi Province (October 2020-September 2024). Meteorological data (monthly averages of temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, precipitation, and sunshine duration) were obtained from provincial meteorological authorities. Normally distributed continuous variables were expressed as mean ± SD and compared using t-tests or ANOVA; non-parametric variables were analyzed with rank-sum tests. Categorical variables were compared via chi-square tests. Multivariate analyses employed polynomial logistic regression (overall cohort) and binary logistic regression (mixed-type BPPV).

The cohort showed female predominance (67.74%), with peak incidence in 51-70-year-olds (51.9%). A statistically significant seasonal variation was observed, with a higher incidence in spring and winter compared to summer and autumn (p < 0.05), peaking in March (11.28%) and troughing in October (6.36%). Posterior semicircular canal involvement predominated (68.97%), predominantly right-sided (62.3%). Canalolithiasis accounted for 91.87% versus 4.6% cupulolithiasis. Mixed-type BPPV (n = 52) primarily involved posterior+horizontal canal combinations (71.15%) with bilateral predominance (55.77%). Multivariate analysis identified monthly variations (p = 0.031) and humidity (χ² = 7.065, p = 0.029) as independent predictors of overall BPPV. Mixed-type BPPV demonstrated gender-specific susceptibility (female: OR 2.15, p = 0.004), with significant associations to temperature (β = -0.31, p = 0.018) and daylight duration (OR 1.32, p < 0.001).

Meteorological factors, particularly humidity and daylight duration, significantly influence BPPV occurrence with distinct seasonal patterns. The gender-specific susceptibility and thermal/daylight associations in mixed-type BPPV suggest multifactorial pathogenesis. These findings may inform the development of meteorology-aware clinical strategies for BPPV prevention and management, though further research is needed to establish causal links and translate these associations into concrete interventions.