Residual dizziness after successful treatment of idiopathic benign paroxysmal positional vertigo originates from persistent utricular dysfunction

Objective: We used ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials to investigate the relationship between residual dizziness and utricular function following the canalith repositioning procedure for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

Methods: Ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials were measured in 44 patients (40 included in analyses, four excluded) with successful results from the canalith repositioning procedure. The patients were examined before treatment and again one week after treatment. We analyzed how various general factors and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials related to residual dizziness.

Results: Residual dizziness was not related to gender, affected side, age, duration of symptoms, recurrence, or the results of the initial ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential test (p?>?.05). However, residual dizziness was significantly associated with the results of the second ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential test (p?=?.007).

Conclusions: Residual dizziness after a successful canalith repositioning procedure may be caused by persistent utricular dysfunction.