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Relationship between the affected ear in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and habitual head-lying side during bedrest.

Cakir BO, Ercan I, Cakir ZA, Civelek S, Turgut S

1st Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Sisli Etfal Research and Training Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.

Objective: To assess the association between the habitual head position during bedrest and the affected ear in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).Study design: Prospective trial of patients with active BPPV of the posterior semicircular canal, confirmed on physical examination.Methods: Seventy-five patients were asked to explain the head position and lying side they were accustomed to before falling asleep in bed.Results: Fifty patients (67 per cent) habitually adopted a lateral head position during bedrest. The ear affected by BPPV was found to be consistent with the head-lying side during bedrest in 43 cases (86 per cent) (29 cases for the right ear and 14 cases for the left ear).Conclusion: Habitual lateral head-positioning during bedrest can be a major factor leading to the development of BPPV in the ipsilateral ear.

Published 12 July 2006 in J Laryngol Otol, 120(7): 534-6.
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