The relationship between psychological conditions and recurrence of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: a retrospective cohort study

Addressing the Overlapping Challenges of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) and Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD): Impacts and Integrated Management

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD) are challenging vestibular disorders with overlapping symptoms that complicate diagnosis and treatment. BPPV causes transient vertigo with head movements, while PPPD involves persistent dizziness and unsteadiness. Both significantly impact the quality of life, including emotional well-being. This review examines the relationship between BPPV and PPPD, stressing the need for comprehensive, multidisciplinary management. Effective treatment must address both physical and psychological aspects, using personalized care, technological innovations, and patient education to improve outcomes and enhance the quality of life for those affected.

Anxiety characteristics in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: first vs. recurrent episodes

PURPOSE

To assess the difference in state and trait anxiety levels in patients with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) at the first episode (FE) versus recurrent episodes (RE), before and after vestibular physiotherapy. A secondary objective was to assess the difference in the prevalence of underlying health conditions between FE and RE BPPV patients.

METHODS

Fifty-five patients with BPPV, aged 40-70, were recruited. The diagnosis of BPPV was confirmed based on subjective complaints of vertigo and positive results from the Dix-Hallpike and Supine Roll tests. Twenty-four patients were in their FE, and 31 had RE. All patients completed the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaire three times; before, immediately after, and a week after vestibular physiotherapy treatment.

RESULTS

The RE group demonstrated higher trait anxiety than the FE group in all testing points: before treatment (median value of 38 versus 29, p-value = 0.02), immediately after treatment (median value of 36 versus 28, p-value < 0.01) and a week later (median value of 38 versus 28, p-value < 0.01). State anxiety decreased immediately after treatment in both groups, but at the second session, it was significantly higher in the RE than in the FE group (median value of 38 versus 28.5, p-value = 0.03). Hypothyroidism was significantly more frequent in the RE group (RE 16%, FE 0%, p-value = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the current study's findings, we recommend assessing anxiety levels in patients with recurrent BPPV and consider referring them for appropriate treatment when necessary.

Understanding Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) and Its Impact on Quality of Life: A Systematic Review

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common vestibular disorder characterized by brief episodes of vertigo triggered by specific head movements. Despite its short duration, BPPV significantly impacts the quality of life. A comprehensive search of electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, was performed to gather peer-reviewed articles, clinical trials, and review articles published between 2014 and 2024. Keywords used in the search included "benign paroxysmal positional vertigo," "BPPV," "vestibular disorders," "quality of life," "diagnosis," and "treatment." Eleven articles were included in the systematic review. Tools such as the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) and the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) are reported to assess the impact of BPPV on quality of life. This review includes 11 articles focusing on quality of life outcomes in BPPV patients. This systematic review explores the various dimensions of quality of life affected by BPPV and the tools used to evaluate these effects. BPPV can lead to physical limitations, such as difficulty in performing daily activities, and psychological effects, including anxiety, depression, and emotional distress. Socially, BPPV can cause social withdrawal and isolation due to the fear of experiencing vertigo in public. Occupationally, BPPV can interfere with job-related tasks. Future research should focus on developing personalized treatment approaches and patient-reported outcome measures specific to BPPV. A comprehensive approach to BPPV management is essential for improving the quality of life of affected individuals.

Assessment of Osteoporosis and Vitamin D3 Deficiency in Patients with Idiopathic Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

Background and objectives: Osteoporosis and vitamin D3 deficiency may be risk factors of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of osteoporosis and 25(OH) vitamin D3 deficiency in a group of patients with idiopathic benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Materials and Methods: Thirty-five patients (twenty-eight women and seven men) with posterior semicircular canal BPPV were enrolled in the study. The subjects underwent hearing assessment (tonal audiometry and impedance audiometry) and the Dix-Hallpike maneuver. Serum 25(OH) vitamin D3 levels were determined and lumbar spine bone densitometry was performed. The relationships between sex, age, height, Body Mass Index (BMI), vitamin D3 levels and bone densitometry results were assessed. Results: The diagnosis of osteoporosis was confirmed in 1 patient (3%), 3 subjects were osteopenic (8.6%), and normal bone densitometry was found in 31 (88.6%) patients. Conclusions: We found no statistically significant relationships between age, BMI or vitamin D3 levels and bone densitometry results in patients with idiopathic BPPV.