Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo Workup

  • Author: John C Li, MD; Chief Editor: Arlen D Meyers, MD, MBA   more...
 
Updated: Apr 10, 2012
 

Laboratory Studies

Because the Dix-Hallpike maneuver is pathognomonic, laboratory tests are not needed to make the diagnosis of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). However, since a high association with inner ear disease exists, laboratory workup may be needed to delineate these other pathologies.

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Imaging Studies

Imaging studies are not needed in the workup of a patient in whom BPPV is suspected.

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Other Tests

  • The Dix-Hallpike maneuver is the standard clinical test for BPPV (see Physical).
  • Electronystagmography
    • Torsional eye movement cannot be demonstrated directly, but occasionally electronystagmography (ENG) is helpful in detecting the presence and timing of nystagmus.
    • Caloric test results can be normal or hypofunctional.
    • According to Mohammed Hamid, MD, a reduced vestibular response can occur secondary to the sluggishness of the particle-laden endolymph.
    • BPPV can originate in an ear with an absent caloric response because the nervous and vascular supply to the horizontal canal is separate from that of the PSCs.
  • Infrared nystagmography: Torsional eye movement can be demonstrated directly.
  • Audiogram: The result of an audiogram may be normal.
  • Posturography: Posturography results are often abnormal but follow no predictable or diagnostic pattern.
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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

John C Li, MD  Private Practice in Otology and Neurotology; Medical Director, Balance Center

John C Li, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, American College of Surgeons, American Medical Association, American Neurotology Society, American Tinnitus Association, Florida Medical Association, and North American Skull Base Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

John Epley, MD  Director, Portland Otologic Clinic

John Epley, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, American Medical Association, and Oregon Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Michael E Hoffer, MD  Director, Spatial Orientation Center, Department of Otolaryngology, Naval Medical Center of San Diego

Michael E Hoffer, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery

Disclosure: American biloogical group Royalty Other

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD  Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Medscape Salary Employment

Peter S Roland, MD  Professor, Department of Neurological Surgery, Professor and Chairman, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Director of Clinical Center for Auditory, Vestibular and Facial Nerve Disorders, Chief of Pediatric Otology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center; Adjunct Professor of Communicative Disorders, University of Texas School of Human Development

Peter S Roland, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, American Auditory Society, American Laryngological Rhinological and Otological Society, American Neurotology Society, American Otological Society, North American Skull Base Society, and Society of University Otolaryngologists-Head and Neck Surgeons

Disclosure: Alcon Labs Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Advanced Bionics Honoraria Board membership; Cochlear Corp Honoraria Board membership; Med El Corp travel grants Consulting; Foresight Consulting fee Consulting

Christopher L Slack, MD  Private Practice in Otolaryngology and Facial Plastic Surgery, Associated Coastal ENT; Medical Director, Treasure Coast Sleep Disorders

Christopher L Slack, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and American Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Arlen D Meyers, MD, MBA  Professor of Otolaryngology, Dentistry, and Engineering, University of Colorado School of Medicine

Arlen D Meyers, MD, MBA is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and American Head and Neck Society

Disclosure: Covidien Corp Consulting fee Consulting; US Tobacco Corporation Unrestricted gift Unknown; Axis Three Corporation Ownership interest Consulting; Omni Biosciences Ownership interest Consulting; Sentegra Ownership interest Board membership; Medvoy Ownership interest Management position; Cerescan Imaging Consulting; Headwatersmb Consulting fee Consulting; Venturequest Royalty Consulting

References

  1. Epley JM. New dimensions of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. Sep-Oct 1980;88(5):599-605. [Medline].

  2. Shim DB, Kim JH, Park KC, Song MH, Park HJ. Correlation between the head-lying side during sleep and the affected side by benign paroxysmal positional vertigo involving the posterior or horizontal semicircular canal. Laryngoscope. Feb 16 2012;[Medline].

  3. [Guideline] Fife TD, Iverson DJ, Lempert T, Furman JM, Baloh RW, Tusa RJ, et al. Practice parameter: therapies for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (an evidence-based review): report of the Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. Neurology. May 27 2008;70(22):2067-74. [Medline]. [Full Text].

  4. [Guideline] Bhattacharyya N, Baugh RF, Orvidas L, Barrs D, Bronston LJ, Cass S, et al. Clinical practice guideline: benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. Nov 2008;139(5 Suppl 4):S47-81. [Medline]. [Full Text].

  5. Epley JM. The canalith repositioning procedure: for treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. Sep 1992;107(3):399-404. [Medline].

  6. Fung K, Hall SF. Particle repositioning maneuver: effective treatment for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. J Otolaryngol. Aug 1996;25(4):243-8. [Medline].

  7. Herdman SJ, Tusa RJ, Zee DS, et al. Single treatment approaches to benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. Apr 1993;119(4):450-4. [Medline].

  8. Li JC. Mastoid oscillation: a critical factor for success in canalith repositioning procedure. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. Jun 1995;112(6):670-5. [Medline].

  9. Li JC, Epley J. The 360-degree maneuver for treatment of benign positional vertigo. Otol Neurotol. Jan 2006;27(1):71-7. [Medline]. [Full Text].

  10. Massoud EA, Ireland DJ. Post-treatment instructions in the nonsurgical management of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. J Otolaryngol. Apr 1996;25(2):121-5. [Medline].

  11. Roberts RA. Efficacy of a new treatment maneuver for posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

  12. Roberts RA. Efficacy of a new treatment maneuver for posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

  13. Smouha EE, Roussos C. Atypical forms of paroxysmal positional nystagmus. Ear Nose Throat J. Sep 1995;74(9):649-56. [Medline].

  14. Weider DJ, Ryder CJ, Stram JR. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: analysis of 44 cases treated by the canalith repositioning procedure of Epley. Am J Otol. May 1994;15(3):321-6. [Medline].

 
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The patient is placed in a sitting position with the head turned 45° towards the affected side and then reclined past the supine position.
The patient is then brought back up to the sitting position.
Next, the patient is rolled 180° from the affected side to the opposite side. Note that the position of the head is 45° toward the affected side before the roll. The head winds up facing down, 180° away from the starting position.
 
 
 
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