Diagnosis strategy and Yacovino maneuver for anterior canal-benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

Clinical Application of Different Vertical Position Tests for Posterior Canal-Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo-Cupulolithiasis

Background

Posterior canal-benign paroxysmal positional vertigo-cupulolithiasis (PC-BPPV-cu) is a new and controversial type of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). At present, there are few relevant clinical studies as to whether the Half Dix-Hallpike test (Half D-HT) induces more obvious nystagmus than the Dix Hallpike test (D-HT) and straight head hanging test (SHH) in patients with PC-BPPV-cu.

Objectives

To investigate the clinical characteristics of PC-BPPV-cu, and analyze the diagnostic significance of the Dix-Hallpike test (D-HT), Half D-HT, and straight head hanging (SHH) test in these patients.

Methods

A total of 46 patients with PC-BPPV-cu were enrolled, and divided into two groups (N = 23): a group A (induction order: D-HT, Half D-HT, SHH) and a group B (induction order: Half D-HT, D-HT, SHH).

Results

Among 46 patients with PC-BPPV-cu, the bilateral and unilateral abnormality rates of the disease side were 5 cases and 41 cases, respectively. There were significant differences in the proportion of torsional-upbeating nystagmus and upbeating nystagmus among the three headhanging positions in 46 patients with PC-BPPV-cu (P < 0.001). The slow phase velocity (SPV) of induced nystagmus at half D-HT supine position was slower than D-HT supine position (P < 0.05) and SHH supine position (P < 0.05). The nystagmus latency of D-HT supine position was significantly shorter than half D-HT (P < 0.05) and SHH (P < 0.05). PC-BPPV-cu patients were accompanied by 53.5% semicircular canal paresis, 69.6% audiological abnormalities, 76% cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP), and 75% video head impulse test (vHIT) abnormalities, the concordance rates of the four detection methods were similar (χ2 = 0.243, P = 0.970).

Conclusions

The Half D-HT is simple and feasible, but might have a risk of false-negative diagnoses of the torsional-upbeating nystagmus and upbeating nystagmus. The D-HT is still a classic induction method for PC-BPPV-cu. The two complement each other and may aid in the diagnosis of PC-BPPV-cu patients. Future clinical applications of Half D-HT require extensive research to determine its diagnostic efficacy.

Objective findings in patients with multi-canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of patients with multi-canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (MC-BPPV).

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of 927 patients with BPPV who were admitted to our hospital between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2019. The clinical data of all patients were collected. The Dix-Hallpike, straight head-hanging, and supine Roll tests were performed in all patients. The nystagmus was recorded using videonystagmography. The clinical characteristics of patients with MC-BPPV and single canal BPPV (SC-BPPV) was analyzed and compared.

RESULTS

Among 927 patients included, 49 (5.29%) patients had MC-BPPV, 878 (94.71%) patients had SC-BPPV. There were significant differences in the male to female ratio (1:3.90 vs 1:1.81, P < .05), mean age (62.47±12.51 vs 59.04±13.72, P < .05), as well as the ratio of cupulolithiasis to canalithiasis (1:1.45 vs 1:4.78, P < .01) between patients with MC-BPPV and SC-BPPV. The frequency of involvement of PC, HC, and AC were involved for 66 (67.35%), 23 (23.47%), and 9 (9.18%) times, respectively, in patients with MC-BPPV, which were involved in 581 (66.17%), 281 (32.0%), and 16 (1.82%) patients, respectively, in patients with SC-BPPV. No significant difference was found in the frequency of involvement of PC and HC between patients with MC-BPPV and SC-BPPV, while there was significant difference in the frequency of AC involvement between 2 groups (P < .01). Ipsilateral PC-HC-BPPV (n = 18) and bilateral PC-BPPV (n=19) were the most common among patients with MC-BPPV. Twenty-six (53.06%) patients had ipsilateral MC-BPPV, 23 (46.94%) had bilateral MC-BPPV. Of the 26 patients with ipsilateral MC-BPPV, 7 patients combined with unilateral peripheral vestibular disorder.

CONCLUSION

Patients with MC-BPPV had a significantly older mean age at disease onset and a higher proportion of females compared with patients with SC-BPPV. Cupulolithiasis was more common in MC-BPPV. AC involvement was also much more common in MC-BPPV than in SC-BPPV.

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Maneuvers for Anterior Canal BPPV Canalithiasis: Three-Dimensional Simulations

Background and Objectives: Anterior canal BPPV is a rare BPPV variant. Various diagnostic and therapeutic maneuvers have been described for its management. The aim of this study was to use three-dimensional simulation models to visualize otoconial debris movement within the anterior canal during diagnostic tests and different liberatory maneuvers. This can help to optimize existing treatment maneuvers and help in the development of better management protocols. Methods: Based on reconstructed MRI images and fluid dynamics, a 3D dynamic simulation model (as a function of time) was developed and applied. Simulations of the supine head-hanging test for diagnosis of ac-BPPV were studied. Three repositioning maneuvers were simulated: 1) the Yacovino maneuver and its modifications, 2) the reverse Epley maneuver and 3) the short canal repositioning (CRP) maneuver. Results: The simulation showed that the supine head-hanging test is a good test for diagnosis of ac-BPPV affecting both labyrinths and demonstrated why there is no inversion of nystagmus on sitting up. The Yacovino maneuver was seen to be an effective treatment option for ac-BPPV without having to determine the side involved. However, simulations showed that the classical Yacovino maneuver carried a risk of canal switch to the posterior canal. To overcome this risk, a modified Yacovino maneuver is suggested. The reverse Epley maneuver was not an effective treatment. Short CRP is useful in ac-BPPV treatment; however, it requires determination of side of involvement. Conclusion: The 3D simulator of the movement of the otoconial debris presented here can be used to test the mechanism of action and the theoretical efficacy of existing diagnostic tests and maneuvers as well as to develop new treatment maneuvers to optimize BPPV treatment.

Diagnostic Value of Straight Head Hanging in Posterior Canal Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

Background and Purpose

To determine the diagnostic value of straight head hanging (SHH) in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo involving the posterior semicircular canal (PC-BPPV).

Methods

We retrospectively included 62 patients (age=56.2±15.0 years, 47 female) with unilateral PC-BPPV who underwent both the Dix-Hallpike maneuver and SHH before receiving canalith repositioning therapy (CRT) between September 2017 and July 2020 at the Dizziness Center of Seoul National University Bundang Hospital in South Korea (16 patients, 25.8%) or the Neurology Outpatient Clinic of Aerospace Central Hospital in China (46 patients, 74.2%). SHH was performed before (n=29, group A) or after (n=33, group B) the Dix-Hallpike maneuver.

Results

Torsional upbeat nystagmus typical of PC-BPPV was induced during SHH in 52 (83.9%) patients, and the incidence of this type of positional nystagmus did not differ between the groups A and B (79.3% vs. 87.9%, p=0.569). The maximum slow-phase velocity of the induced upbeat nystagmus was higher during SHH than during the Dix-Hallpike maneuver toward the lesion side [range=2.0–60.0°/s (median=18.5°/s) vs. range=2.7–40.0°/s (median=13.4°/s), p<0.001]. Reversal of the positional nystagmus was observed upon resuming the sitting position after SHH in 47 (75.8%) patients and after the Dix-Hallpike maneuver in 54 (87.7%) patients, with no significant difference between the groups (p=0.082).

Conclusions

SHH is effective for diagnosing PC-BPPV. Given its simplicity, SHH may be performed before the Dix-Hallpike maneuver, and CRT may be attempted thereafter when the typical positional nystagmus for unilateral PC-BPPV is induced during SHH.

Downregulation of VDR in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo patients inhibits otolith‑associated protein expression levels

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common peripheral vertigo‑associated disease. Vitamin D (VD) helps maintain normal otolith function and may be associated with BPPV. VD exerts its biological functions primarily via the VD receptor (VDR). The present study demonstrated that serum VD levels were significantly decreased in patients with BPPV compared with in controls. VDR, otolith‑associated protein otoconin‑90 (OC90) and NADPH oxidase 3 (NOX3) expression levels were also significantly decreased in patients with BPPV compared with in controls. Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed between VD levels and VDR expression. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis identified VDR expression levels as a potential diagnostic marker for BPPV. OC90 and NOX3 expression levels were notably lower in the inner ear tissue of VDR knockout mice compared with in those of wild‑type mice. In mice overexpressing VDR, OC90 and NOX3 were also overexpressed. Following intravenous injection of VD in VDR knockout mice, expression levels of OC90 and NOX3 were not significantly different from those in VDR knockout mice injected with saline. This indicated that VDR may be underexpressed in patients with BPPV and was associated with the expression levels of otolith‑associated proteins. Moreover, VDR mediated VD activation, leading to otolith protein formation. The present study provided a novel theoretical basis for BPPV onset that may facilitate the development of more effective diagnostic and treatment options.

Clinical and VNG Features in Anterior Canal BPPV-An Analysis of 13 Cases

Objective: To define diagnostic VNG features in anterior canal BPPV during positional testing (Dix-Hallpike, supine head hanging, and McClure Pagnini tests).

Study Design: A retrospective study of patients diagnosed with anterior canal BPPV across four referral centers in New Delhi, Kochi, Bangalore, and Dubai.

Subjects and Methods: Clinical records of 13 patients with AC BPPV out of 1,350 cases, during a 3-years period, were reviewed and analyzed by four specialists.

Results: Four patients had positional down beating nystagmus with symptoms of vertigo during the bilateral DHP maneuver. Seven cases had positional down beating nystagmus only on one side of DHP. Typical down beating nystagmus was seen in 10 out of 13 cases during the straight head hanging maneuver. Down beating torsional nystagmus was seen in 6 out of 13 cases. Down beating with horizontal nystagmus was seen in three cases (in DHP and MCP mainly) while pure down beating nystagmus during SHH was only seen in four cases.

Conclusion: We conclude that anterior canal BPPV is a rare but definite entity. It may not be apparent on positional testing the first time, so repeated testing may be needed. The most consistent diagnostic maneuver is SHH though there were patients in which findings could only be elicited using DHP testing. We recommend a testing protocol that includes DHP testing on both sides and SHH. MCP testing may also evoke DBN with or without the torsional component. Reversal of nystagmus on reversal of testing position is unusual but can occur. The Yacovino maneuver is effective in resolving AC BPPV. We also propose a hypothesis that explains why DHP testing is sensitive to AC BPPV on either side, whereas MCP lateral position on one side is only sensitive to AC BPPV on one side. We have explained a possible role for the McClure Pagnini test in side determination and therapeutic implications.

Complex nystagmus in traumatic benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: A case study on the critical value of knowing semicircular canal excitation and inhibition patterns

A 73-year-old female presented to the emergency department with chief complaint of dizziness after sustaining a fall one month prior to dizziness onset. Although careful examination of eye movement patterns during positional testing was attempted at varying stages of her inpatient admission, her complex nystagmus patterns as a result of traumatic benign paroxysmal vertigo were difficult to manage. In particular, the nystagmus pattern from this case suggests the BPPV was variable and affecting either 1) left posterior semicircular canal (pSCC) exclusively 2) left pSCC and right anterior semicircular canal, 3) left and right pSCC canal. This case illustrates the importance of two critical details; positional testing should include observing nystagmus with fixation removed and an experienced clinician should be involved as early as possible.

A novel maneuver for diagnosis and treatment of torsional-vertical down beating positioning nystagmus: anterior canal and apogeotropic posterior canal BPPV

Introduction

In patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, BPPV; a torsional-vertical down beating positioning nystagmus can be elicited in the supine straight head-hanging position test or in the Dix-Hallpike test to either side. This type of nystagmus can be explained by either an anterior canal BPPV or by an apogeotropic variant of the contralateral posterior canal BPPV Until now all the therapeutic maneuvers that have been proposed address only one possibility, and without first performing a clear differential diagnosis between them.

Objective

To propose a new maneuver for torsional-vertical down beating positioning nystagmus with a clear lateralization that takes into account both possible diagnoses (anterior canal-BPPV and posterior canal-BPPV).

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted on 157 consecutive patients with BPPV. The new maneuver was performed only in those with torsional-vertical down beating positioning nystagmus with clear lateralization.

Results

Twenty patients (12.7%) were diagnosed with a torsional-vertical down beating positioning nystagmus. The maneuver was performed in 10 (6.35%) patients, in whom the affected side was clearly determined. Seven (4.45%) patients were diagnosed with an anterior canal-BPPV and successfully treated. Two (1.25%) patients were diagnosed with a posterior canal-BPPV and successfully treated with an Epley maneuver after its conversion into a geotropic posterior BPPV.

Conclusion

This new maneuver was found to be effective in resolving all the cases of torsional-vertical down beating positioning nystagmus-BPPV caused by an anterior canal-BPPV, and in shifting in a controlled way the posterior canal-BPPV cases of the contralateral side into a geotropic-posterior-BPPV successfully treated during the followup visit. Moreover, this new maneuver helped in the differential diagnosis between anterior canal-BPPV and a contralateral posterior canal-BPPV.

Clinical Characteristics of Patients With Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo Diagnosed Based on the Diagnostic Criteria of the Bárány Society

Objectives: To analyze the clinical characteristics of patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) diagnosed based on the diagnostic criteria of Bárány Society, verify the clinical application value of the diagnostic criteria, and further explore the clinical problems associated with the diagnosis of possible BPPV.

Methods: A total of 481 patients with BPPV who were admitted from March 2016 to February 2019 were included. All patients were diagnosed by the Dix-Hallpike, straight head hanging and supine roll tests, the nystagmus was recorded using videonystagmography. For patients with possible BPPV (uncertain diagnosis), particle repositioning therapy and follow-up diagnosis were used to further clarify diagnosis.

Results: Based on Bárány Society's diagnostic criteria for BPPV, the distribution characteristics of different BPPV types were as follows: 159 (33.1%) patients had posterior canal BPPV-canalolithiasis (PC-BPPV-ca), 70 (14.6%) patients had horizontal canal BPPV-ca (HC-BPPV-ca), 55 (11.4%) patients had spontaneously resolved-probable-BPPV (Pro-BPPV), and 53 (11.0%) patients had HC-BPPV-cupulolithiasis (HC-BPPV-cu). In emerging and controversial BPPV, 51 (10.6%) patients had multiple canal BPPV (MC-BPPV), 30 (6.2%) patients had PC-BPPV-cu, and 19 (4.0%) patients had anterior canal BPPV-ca (AC-BPPV-ca), 44 (9.1%) patients had possible-BPPV (Pos-BPPV). Among the 44 patients with Pos-BPPV, 23 patients showed dizziness/vertigo without nystagmus during the initial positional test, five patients were possible MC-BPPV, four patients had persistent geotropic positional nystagmus lasting > 1 min when lying on both sides, and were considered to have Pos-HC-BPPV, four patients showed apogeotropic nystagmus when lying on one side, and were considered to have possible short-arm HC-BPPV, four patients showed geotropic nystagmus when lying on one side, and were considered to have Pos-HC-BPPV, three patients had down-beating nystagmus, lasing > 1 min, were considered to have Pos-AC-BPPV-cu. One patient showed transient apogeotropic positional nystagmus on both sides during the supine roll test, and was diagnosed with possible anterior arm HC-BPPV.

Conclusions: PC-BPPV-ca is the most common among patients with BPPV, followed by HC-BPPV-ca. In emerging and controversial BPPV, MC-BPPV, and Pos-BPPV were more common. For the diagnosis of Pos-BPPV, a combination of the history of typical BPPV, particle repositioning therapy and follow-up outcome is helpful to clarify the diagnosis.

Clinical characteristics of patients with multi-canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

Introduction

Multi-canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is considered to be a rare and controversial type in the new diagnostic guidelines of Bárány because the nystagmus is more complicated or atypical, which is worthy of further study.

Objective

Based on the diagnostic criteria for multi-canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo proposed by International Bárány Society, the study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of multi-canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

Methods

A total of 41 patients with multi-canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo were included and diagnosed by Roll, Dix-Hallpike and straight head hanging tests. Manual reduction was performed according to the involvement of semicircular canals.

Results

Among the 41 cases, 19 (46.3%) patients showed vertical up-beating nystagmus with or without torsional component and geotropic, apogeotropic horizontal nystagmus, and were diagnosed with posterior-horizontal canal. 11 (26.8%) patients showed vertical up-beating nystagmus with torsional component on one side and vertical down-beating nystagmus with or without torsional component on the other side during Dix-Hallpike test or straight head hanging test and were diagnosed with posterior-anterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo 9 (26.8%) patients showed vertical down-beating nystagmus with or without torsional component and geotropic, apogeotropic horizontal nystagmus, and were diagnosed with anterior-horizontal canal 2 (4.9%) patients showed vertical geotropic torsional up-beating nystagmus on both sides and were diagnosed with bilateral posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. High correlation between the sides with reduced vestibular function or hearing loss and the side affected by Multi-canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo was revealed (contingency coefficient = 0.602, p = 0.010). During one-week follow up, nystagmus/vertigo has been significantly alleviated or disappeared in 87.8% (36/41) patients.

Conclusion

Posterior-horizontal canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo was the most common type. Multi-canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo involving anterior canal was also not uncommon. Caloric tests and pure tone audiometry may help in the determination of the affected side. Manual reduction was effective in most of Multi-canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo patients.

Benign Positional Paroxysmal Vertigo Treatment: a Practical Update

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW

To define the best up-to-date practical approach to treat benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).

RECENT FINDINGS

Both posterior and horizontal canal BPPV canalith repositioning maneuvers (Semont, Epley, and Gufoni's maneuvers) are level 1 evidence treatment for evidence-based medicine. The choice of maneuver (since their efficacy is comparable) is up to the clinician's preferences, failure of the previous maneuver, or movement restrictions of the patient. Maneuvers for controversial variants, such as anterior canal and apogeotropic posterior canal BPPV, have weaker evidence of efficacy. Despite this, these variants are increasingly diagnosed and treated. Maneuvers also play a role in the differential diagnosis with central vestibular disorders. Chair-assisted treatment may be of help if available while surgical canal plugging should be indicated in selected same-canal, same-side intractable severe BPPV. The primary evidence-based treatment strategy for BPPV should be physical therapy through maneuvers. Despite the high success rate of liberatory maneuvers, there is a low percentage of subjects who have unsatisfactory outcomes. These patients need to be investigated to identify recurrences, multiple canal involvement, associated comorbidities (migraine, persistent postural perceptual dizziness), or risk factors for recurrences (low vitamin D serum level). Future research should also identify the optimum maneuvers for variants whose diagnosis and treatment are still a matter of some debate.