Vertigo Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Vertigo, including details on causes, symptoms, treatment, dizziness.

Benign paroxysmal positioning vertigo: a long-term follow-up (6-17 years) of 125 patients.

Brandt T, Huppert D, Hecht J, Karch C, Strupp M

Department of Neurology, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany. thomas.brandt@med.uni-muenchen.de

CONCLUSIONS: The study disclosed a few predictive factors for benign paroxysmal positioning vertigo (BPPV) recurrences, which are clinically relevant and essential for patient awareness of the often long-term course of the condition. OBJECTIVES: To determine the long-term recurrence rate of posterior canal BPPV after successful liberatory maneuvers. METHODS: A retrospective self-evaluation questionnaire with a structured interview was conducted 6-17 years after assessment of the diagnosis in 125 patients. RESULTS: The recurrence rate in patients with a mean follow-up of 10 years was 50%. Most recurrences (80%) were within the first year after treatment, irrespective of the liberatory maneuver applied. None of the patients observed a recurrence after a symptom-free period of 8 years. Recurrences were seen significantly more often in women (58% versus 39%). The recurrence rate of patients in the seventh decade was half that of those in the sixth decade (p=0.0009). A history of three or more BPPV attacks prior to treatment indicated a higher risk of impending multiple recurrences in about two-thirds of the patients.

Published 23 January 2006 in Acta Otolaryngol, 126(2): 160-3.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2005-2008 Vertigo Research Today. All Rights Reserved.