Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: Updated review of its diagnosis and treatment

Objective: This review summarizes the key findings of literature regarding Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), including its pathomechanism, diagnosis, and management. Background: BPPV is a pathological problem in the vestibular system characterized by brief and repeated periods of a spin-ning sensation triggered by certain head movements. BPPV is the most common cause of vertigo and is characterized by positional nystagmus. Diagnosis: BPPV is diagnosed through pathological history along with diagnostic maneuvers, such as the Dix-Hallpike maneuver. In most cases, the etiology of BPPV is considered idiopathic; however, older age and minor head injuries are considered risk factors associated with BPPV. Management: The treatment of BPPV can be achieved through many therapeutic repositioning maneuvers, which, in turn, return the floating otoconia that cause vertigo from the semicircular canals, mostly the posterior semicircular canal, to their original place in the utricle. While most individuals with BPPV respond well to repositioning maneuvers, a small section of population with incurable BPPV undergoes surgical treatment.