Onset time of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

Conclusion: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is strongly related to sleep. This study proposes a micro-otoconia accumulation theory in which the pathological debris is an aggregate of micro-otoconia over a long time period, and which begins to slide by its own weight during sleep.

Objectives: To examine the onset time of idiopathic BPPV and to investigate its etiology.

Method: Patients (n?=?351) were classified as posterior canalolithiasis (PC), horizontal canalolithiasis (HC), and horizontal heavy cupula (HHC) according to nystagmus findings. This study examined the medical records, and categorized the onset times into the following four groups; (1) during sleep, (2) at the time of rising, (3) morning, and (4) afternoon.

Results: PC (n?=?135): In 33 patients, vertigo occurred during sleep, in 69 patients at rising, in 10 patients in the morning, and in 23 patients in the afternoon. HC (n?=?87): In 38 patients, vertigo occurred during sleep, in 30 patients at rising, in eight patients in the morning, and in 11 patients in the afternoon. HHC (n?=?129): In 27 patients, vertigo occurred during sleep, in 59 patients at rising, in 15 patients in the morning, and in 28 patients in the afternoon.     

睡眠对良性阵发性位置性眩晕影响的研究进展

良性阵发性位置性眩晕(BPPV)作为最常见的外周前庭疾病,发病率及患病率均高,多发生于夜间睡眠期间或晨起醒来时,与睡眠关系密切。回顾总结近年来二者的相关文献,发现睡眠姿势与BPPV的发生发展、治疗和预后都有密切的关系,而不同种类的睡眠障碍也都各自影响着疾病的发生。论文旨在提高对二者相关性的认识,并为疾病的诊断及治疗提供方法思路。     

良性阵发性位置性眩晕发病侧别和患者睡眠侧别的相关性

目的探讨良性阵发性位置性眩晕(benign paroxysmal positional vertigo,BPPV)患者发病侧别和患者习惯性的睡眠侧别的相关性。方法详细记录2007年1月～2008年4月头晕门诊经Dix-Hallpike及rolltest试验明确诊断BPPV患者261例,将患者按照有无诱因分为特发性BPPV和继发性BPPV两组,比较两组患者发病侧别和睡眠侧别的相关性;再将患者按照累及半规管的类型分为后半规管良性阵发性位置性眩晕(posterior semicircular BPPV,PC-BPPV)、水平半规管BPPV(horizontal semicircular BPPV,HC-BPPV)和前半规管BPPV(anterior semicircular BPPV,AC-BPPV),分别比较3个组患者中发病侧别和睡眠侧别的相关性。结果 261例患者中,男性75例,女性186例,男:女为1:2.48。患者年龄14～85岁,平均(57±13.764)岁,BPPV病史1d～10年。①按照有无诱因将BPPV患者分为无诱因的特发性BPPV和有诱因的继发性BPPV,将特发性BPPV组患者和继发性BPPV组患者发病侧别和睡眠侧别进行Spearman Correlation相关性检验,特发性组r=0.233,P<0.05,相关性有统计学意义,继发性组r=0.157,P>0.05,相关性无统计学意义。②按照病变部位分为PC-BPPV、HC-BPPV和AC-BPPV,将3个组发病侧别和睡眠侧别进行Spearman Correlation相关性检验,PC组r=0.175,P=0.052>0.05,AC组r=0.730,P=0.062>0.05,HC组r=0.252,P=0.117>0.05,3个组都没有统计学意义。结论特发性BPPV组患者发病侧别和睡眠侧别有一定的相关性,对于判断患病侧别有一定意义。     

The effect of uvula-preserving palatopharyngoplasty in obstructive sleep apnea on globus sense and positional dependency

Objectives

This study investigated the outcomes of uvula-preserving palatopharyngoplasty (UPPPP) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS).

Methods

Twenty men with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome received the UPPPP operation at our institution. We measured symptom changes after UPPPP using a visual analog scale (VAS), and all patients were examined with polysomnography pre- and post-operatively. ''Surgical success'' was defined as reduction in apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) to below 20 events per hour and more than 50% post-operative reduction.

Results

Snoring decreased significantly (6.7±2.3 to 3.7±2.9 on VAS, P=0.002) but the postoperative globus sense did not differ from that preoperatively (2.0±2.4 to 2.1±2.7 on VAS, P=0.79). Apnea and apnea-hypopnea indices were significantly reduced after UPPPP (34.7±20 to 24.2±17.2 events/hour, P=0.029). The surgical success rate was 40% regardless of Friedman stage. There was significant reduction in the AHI on supine sleep in both surgically successful and unsuccessful patient groups.

Conclusion

UPPPP may minimize postoperative globus sense and other complications, with a success rate comparable to that of previously reported surgical methods in OSAS patients. In addition, it may reduce the apnea-hypopnea index in the supine sleep position.     

阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停综合征与不同体位下鼻阻力的关系

目的 :探讨不同体位下鼻阻力的变化及其与阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停综合征 (OSAS)的关系。方法 :对 14例正常人、2 0例单纯鼾症和 4 0例OSAS患者进行坐位和仰卧位的鼻阻力检测 ,并行多导睡眠呼吸监测。将单纯鼾症和OSAS患者按有无鼻腔疾病分成阴性组和阳性组。结果 :①单纯鼾症鼻阴性组以及OSAS鼻阴性组的鼻阻力明显高于正常组 (P <0 .0 5 )。②OSAS鼻阳性组坐位与卧位鼻阻力明显高于单纯鼾症鼻阳性组 (P <0 .0 5 )。③各分组卧位的鼻阻力高于坐位(P <0 .0 5 ) ,OSAS鼻阴性组和阳性组之间差异有极显著性意义 (P <0 .0 1)。④OSAS患者中 ,鼻阳性组呼吸暂停和低通气指数、觉醒指数、鼾声指数高于鼻阴性组 ,最低血氧饱和度低于鼻阴性组 (P <0 .0 5 )。结论 :单纯鼾症与OSAS患者鼻阻力都较正常人增加 ,且仰卧位时较坐位时明显增加 ;鼻阻力可能与OSAS发病有关     

The effect of postural restrictions in the treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

The treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) consists of a repositioning maneuver in order to remove otoliths from the posterior semicircular canal and subsequent postural restrictions to prevent debris from reentering the canal. However, the extent to which postural restrictions affect the final outcomes of BPPV is still uncertain. The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of postural restrictions in the treatment of BPPV, which is caused by otoliths in the posterior semicircular canal, and to evaluate its usefulness as a therapy. Seventy cases diagnosed as BPPV of the posterior semicircular canal were studied. All patients were treated utilizing the modified Epley maneuver. They were divided into two groups. The first group (group A, 35 patients) was instructed to sleep in a semi-sitting position and to avoid moving their heads forward or backward, whereas no instructions were given to the second group (group B, 35 patients). The information gathered from the patients was analyzed by age of onset, gender, duration of the disease and cure rates or recurrence rates. In group A, the average age was 54.5 years and the mean duration of symptoms was 116.5 days, whereas in group B, these measurements were 54.8 years and 86.7 days. The cure rates were 91.4 and 94.3%, respectively. Symptoms recurred in 12.5% of group A patients, while in group B, there was a 9.1% recurrence rate. Our study did not show any significant difference between the two groups. Postural restriction therapy, practiced after the modified Epley repositioning maneuver, did not have a significant effect on the final outcomes of BPPV. Based on our results, we do not recommend this therapy since there was no significant benefit for the patients who utilized postural restrictions.     

Persistent positional nystagmus

Involvement of the superior semicircular canal (SSC) in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is rare. SSC BPPV is distinguished from the more common posterior semicircular canal (PSC) variant by the pattern of nystagmus triggered by the Dix-Hallpike position: down-beating torsional nystagmus in SSC BPPV versus up-beating torsional nystagmus in PSC BPPV. SSC BPPV may be readily treated at the bedside, which is a key component in excluding central causes of down-beating nystagmus. We present an unusual video case report believed to represent refractory SSC BPPV based on the pattern of nystagmus and the absence of any other central signs.     

Anterior semicircular canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and positional downbeating nystagmus

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to describe the clinical features and video-oculographic findings in patients with anterior semicircular canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). MATERIALS AND METHODS: STUDY DESIGN: This is a prospective case series. SETTING: The study was set at an outpatient clinic in a general hospital. PATIENTS: Fourteen individuals with symptoms of BPPV and positional downbeating nystagmus (pDBN) were included in the study. The diagnosis was based on a history of brief episodes of vertigo and the presence of pDBN confirmed in the video-oculographic examination during Dix-Hallpike test (DH) or head-hanging maneuver. INTERVENTION: Patients were treated by particle repositioning maneuver and the effectiveness was evaluated at 7, 30, and 180 days posttreatment. The treatment was repeated up to 4 times if pDBN was persistent. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcome measure is the number of patients without pDBN at 30 and 180 days. RESULTS: Video-oculography showed a predominant pDBN in response to DH. Of the 14 patients, 7 had arterial hypertension, and 5 of 14 cases presented abnormalities on the caloric test. Horizontal spontaneous nystagmus was found in 3 of 14 individuals. Positional nystagmus at different positional test was observed in 5 of 14 individuals, suggesting the involvement of several canals. Of the 14 patients, 10 (71%) did not present vertigo, and the positional tests were negative at 30 days. However, 3 cases presented a positive DH with persistence of BPPV episodes and pDBN at 30 days, and another developed a contralateral posterior canal affectation. One of the patients maintained a persistent pDBN at 180 days despite the repeated maneuvers. CONCLUSIONS: Video-oculography demonstrates that anterior canal BPPV is characterized by a predominant downbeating nystagmus in response to DH. These individuals may show alterations in the vestibular caloric, and they can have multicanal affectation.     

Altered positional regulation of nasal patency in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome

We assessed the regulation of nasal patency supine in subjects with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) compared to healthy controls. Healthy subjects increase nasal obstruction when changing body position from sitting to supine, possibly due to increased hydrostatic pressure in the head supine. Limited data indicate that this response is altered in patients with OSAS, suggesting that supine nasal patency is actively regulated. This study examined the nasal response to recumbent body position using acoustic rhinometry in OSAS patients and healthy controls. Twenty subjects (16 men and 4 women, mean age 55 ± 16 years), with diagnosed OSAS [mean apnoea hypopnoea index (AHI) 46 ± 22 events/h] without nasal obstruction and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)-naive, underwent measurement of intra-nasal cross sectional area by acoustic rhinometry at sitting and after 5 min supine. Twenty healthy controls (13 men, 7 women, mean age 35 ± 9 years) were also included in the study. In the patients with OSAS, the mean minimal cross sectional area (MCA, left + right nasal cavity) was unchanged between sitting (1.18 ± 0.41 cm²) and supine (1.21 ± 0.35 cm², P = 0.5). In the healthy controls, the mean MCA decreased from 1.06 ± 0.18 to 0.94 ± 0.21 cm² supine, P = 0.01. This study showed that the normal decrease in nasal patency following a change in body position from sitting to supine is absent in patients with OSAS. The results indicate that there is an active regulation of supine nasal patency.     

Multiple positional nystagmus suggests multiple canal involvement in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

Conclusion. Video-oculography demonstrates a higher occurrence of atypical positional nystagmus in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). This includes anterior and horizontal canal variants and multiple positional nystagmus, suggesting combined lesions affecting several canals. Objective. To analyse the video-oculographic findings of positional tests in patients with BPPV. Material and methods. Seventy individuals with symptoms of BPPV and positional nystagmus were included in this study. The diagnosis was based on a history of brief episodes of vertigo and the presence of positional nystagmus as confirmed by video-oculographic examination during the Dix–Hallpike test, the McClure test or the head-hanging manoeuvre. Patients were treated by means of different particle repositioning manoeuvres according to the affected canal (Epley's manoeuvre for the posterior or anterior canals and Lempert's manoeuvre for the lateral canal) and the effectiveness was evaluated at 7 and 30 days. Results. Twenty-nine individuals (41.43%) presented an affected unilateral posterior canal. Fifteen patients (21.43%) presented a pure horizontal direction-changing positional nystagmus consistent with a diagnosis of horizontal canal BPPV. Twelve individuals (17.14%) presented a unilateral down-beating nystagmus, suggesting possible anterior canal BPPV. In addition, 14 patients (20%) showed multiple positional nystagmus during the examination corresponding to simultaneous multi-canal BPPV, 5 had bilateral posterior canal BPPV and 2 presented a positional down-beating nystagmus in both left and right Dix–Hallpike manoeuvres and the head-hanging manoeuvre, which is highly suggestive of anterior canal BPPV. However, seven individuals showed positional horizontal and vertical side-changing nystagmus that could not be explained by single-canal BPPV. These patients with multiple positional nystagmus showed changing patterns of positional nystagmus at follow-up.     

Experimental study of speed-dependent positional nystagmus in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

OBJECTIVE: One of the clinical characteristics of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is that the more quickly the head position changes, the more severe the vertigo. This suggests that the velocity of the head change is critical in determining the occurrence and severity of vertigo. The aim of this study was to examine factors determining the symptoms of BPPV using models of canalolithiasis and cupulolithiasis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Canalolithiasis and cupulolithiasis models were prepared using the bullfrog posterior semicircular canal (PSC). The ampullary nerve discharges were compared between quick and slow positional changes to examine factors determining the symptoms of BPPV. RESULTS: In the canalolithiasis model, the acceleration of the otoconia was greater for the quick positional change. This resulted in a greater discharge with a longer duration. With the slow positional change, the discharges were smaller and shorter. In the cupulolithiasis model, the discharges were sustained and their magnitude did not differ between the quick and slow positional changes. The canalolithiasis model influenced the magnitude of discharge of the PSC depending on the speed of the positional change. CONCLUSION: Canalolithiasis is the more likely mechanism of BPPV, which is characterized by various degrees of vertigo upon kinetic positional change.     

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is characterized by positional vertigo (brief attacks of rotatory vertigo triggered by head position changes in the direction of gravity) and is the most common peripheral cause of vertigo. There are two types of BPPV pathophysiology: canalolithiasis and cupulolithiasis. In canalolithiasis, otoconial debris is detached from the otolithic membrane and floats freely within the endolymph of the canal. In cupulolithiasis, the otoconial debris released from the otolithic membrane settles on the cupula of the semicircular canal and the specific gravity of the cupula is increased. Consensus has been reached regarding three subtypes of BPPV: posterior-canal-type BPPV (canalolithiasis), lateral-canal-type BPPV (canalolithiasis) and lateral-canal-type BPPV (cupulolithiasis). In the interview-based medical examination of BPPV, questions regarding the characteristics of vertigo, triggered movement of vertigo, duration of vertigo and cochlear symptoms during vertigo attacks are important for the diagnosis of BPPV. The Dix–Hallpike test is a positioning nystagmus test used for diagnosis of posterior-canal-type BPPV. The head roll test is a positional nystagmus test used for diagnosis of lateral-canal-type BPPV. When the Dix–Hallpike test is repeated, positional nystagmus and the feeling of vertigo typically become weaker. This phenomenon is called BPPV fatigue. The effect of BPPV fatigue typically disappears within 30 min, at which point the Dix–Hallpike test again induces clear positional nystagmus even though BPPV fatigue had previously caused the positional nystagmus to disappear. For the treatment of BPPV, sequential head movements of patients can cause the otoconial debris in the semicircular canal to move to the utricle. This series of head movements is called the canalith repositioning procedure (CRP). The appropriate type of CRP depends on the semicircular canal in which the otoconial debris is located. The CRP for posterior-canal-type BPPV is called the Epley maneuver, and the CRP for lateral-canal-type BPPV is called the Gufoni maneuver. Including a time interval between each head position in the Epley maneuver reduces the immediate effect of the maneuver. This finding can inform the development of methods for reducing the effort exerted by doctors and the discomfort experienced by patients with posterior-canal-type BPPV during the Epley maneuver.     

手法复位治疗良性阵发性位置性眩晕36例

目的 评价体位治疗在良性阵发性位置性眩晕（BPPV）的应用价值。方法 回顾性分析36例原发性或继发性BPPV的临床资料,后半规管BPPV采用改良Epley手法或Semont手法复位,水平半规管采用Barbecue翻滚疗法复位治疗,评价其治疗效果。结果 33例后半规管BPPV患者应用改良Epley手法或Semont手法复位,有效率为93.9%。3例水平半规管BPPV患者采取Barbecue翻滚法复位后症状均明显改善。结论 手法复位治疗良性阵发性位置性眩晕方法简单,疗效可靠,治愈率高。     

Non-benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

Positional vertigo is a frequent clinical manifestation of vertigo of very different etiologies, being the benign paroxystic positional vertigo (BPPV) the most frequent one of them, representing in some series even the most found etiology of peripheral vertigo. Usually of severe entities, positional vertigo may appear in the context of severe entities and of difficult diagnosis. In these cases, the bearing of the symptoms in spite of the repositioning manoeuvers, the association with otological or neurological symptoms, and the atypical nystagmus evoked by Dix-Hallpike manoeuver, must take the otolaryngologist to suspect of a feasible non benign pathology. We report a case of positional paroxysmal vertigo caused by an intracranial tumour and we review the clinical signs that shoved help us to suspect of non benign pathologies that can mimic a positional vertigo.     

Persistent direction-changing geotropic positional nystagmus

The aims of the study were to clarify whether persistent direction-changing geotropic positional nystagmus contains vertical and torsional components, and to quantify the asymmetry. We analyzed nystagmus in four positions (healthy-ear-down, affected-ear-down, supine, nose-down) using three-dimensional video-oculography. Subjects were 18 patients with persistent direction-changing geotropic positional nystagmus, 16 females and 2 males, with a mean age of 55 years. Nystagmus was recorded using an infrared camera and the findings were converted to digital data. Using ImageJ, we performed three-dimensional video-oculography and measured maximum slow-phase velocity (MSV) of three components. Positional nystagmus was not purely horizontal. Eight (44%) patients revealed a vertical component (upward) and 15 (83%) patients had a torsional component in the healthy-ear-down position. Seven (39%) patients revealed a vertical component (downward) and 10 (56%) patients showed a torsional component in the nose-down position. The mean value of MSV of the horizontal component in the supine position was 9.3°/s and that in the nose-down position was 15.7°/s. The latter was significantly greater than the former (p < 0.05). Eye movements in the supine position and the nose-down position were not mirror images. These results suggest that vertical and torsional components occur from the horizontal semicircular canal, and that horizontal canal ocular reflex is influenced by input from the otolithic organs.     

位置性眩晕的临床诊疗分析

目的 探讨位置性眩晕的临床诊断、治疗的更佳方案。方法 回顾性研究分析233例表现为位置性眩晕患者的临床特点及治疗效果。结果 233例中226例良性阵发性位置性眩晕(BPPV),中枢性眩晕6例(Arnold-Chiari 畸形1例、多发性硬化2例、小脑腔隙性梗塞2例、小脑出血1例),颈部寰枢椎脱位1例。后半规管BPPV 182例经复位法治疗,治愈129例(70.88%),改善39例(21.43%),无效14例(7.70%)。其他类型半规管BPPV 44例,治愈24例(54.54%),改善13例(29.55%),无效7例(15.91%)。Arnold-Chiari 畸形采用神经外科手术治疗治愈,寰枢椎脱位采用颈部牵引、多发性硬化和小脑腔隙性梗塞及小脑出血神经科保守治疗,症状缓解。结论 准确诊断和系统治疗是治疗位置性眩晕的关键。     

Migraine and benign positional vertigo

Because inner ear symptoms are common in patients with migraine, we questioned whether benign positional vertigo (BPV) is more common in patients with migraine than in the general population. We reviewed the records of 247 patients seen in our neurotology clinic over the past 5 years with a confirmed diagnosis of BPV. Each patient had the typical history of BPV, and in each case the characteristic torsional vertical positioning nystagmus was identified. All were interviewed regarding migraine symptoms by means of standard International Headache Society criteria. Migraine was 3 times more common in patients with BPV of unknown cause than in those with BPV secondary to trauma or surgical procedures. Most patients were cured with the particle repositioning maneuver, regardless of the cause. Presumably, patients with migraine suffer recurrent damage to the inner ear (due to vasospasm or some other mechanism) that predisposes them to recurrent bouts of BPV.     

Horizontal canal benign positional vertigo

The existence of horizontal canal benign positional vertigo (BPV) was predicted from temporal bone studies in 1973, but was not clinically confirmed until later. In this series of 300 patients with BPV, 35 (12%) were identified as having the horizontal canal variant. The essential features are the onset of vertigo when the patient assumes a supine position and bidirectional horizontal nystagmus as the head is turned from side to side. In one third it appeared as a canal "conversion" in patients undergoing repositioning treatment for posterior canal BPV. The mechanism can be canalithiasis or cupulolithiasis. Repositioning treatment is a 360 degrees horizontal head and body rotation that has a high success rate if the symptomatic ear is correctly identified.     

Paroxysmal positional vertigo syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: This study was initiated to investigate the differential diagnosis of patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) of different canals' origin. METHODS: The eye movements of 292 patients were evaluated with the use of Frenzel glasses and infrared video cameras after positional tests. Epley's canal repositioning procedure (CRP) was conducted, with appropriate modifications for individual cases, on every patient. RESULTS: Two different types of positional nystagmus were observed corresponding to the presence of otoliths in the lumen of each of the semicircular canals and on the cupola of the horizontal semicircular canal. The posterior canal was involved in 250 patients unilaterally and 23 patients bilaterally. The anterior canal variety was observed in four patients. In the horizontal canal, nine were of the cupulolithiasis and six of the canalithiasis variety. In seven patients. the affected canal converted to a different location. The canal repositioning procedure eliminated vertigo and abnormal eye movements in 88% of the unilateral posterior canal variety. The success rate of the procedure in the other varieties was 50%. CONCLUSION: Positional vertigo can have characteristics corresponding to the presence of otolith particles in each of the semicircular canals. The treatment requires different strategies to move the otoliths, depending on their location in the vestibule.