Benign paroxysmal vertigo

Question 1

What is the pathophysiology behind BPV?

Answer 1

the presence of canaliths in the semi-circular canal instead of e utricle

Question 2

What is the clinical presentation of BPV?

Answer 2

1. Sudden onset of
   - dizziness
   - vertigo
   - nausea and vomiting
2. lasts only for a few seconds
3. No otological symptoms - tinnitus/HL etc

Question 3

What triggers BPV?

Answer 3

1. movement of the patient’s head

2. movement causes canalith crystals to move and cause abnormal movement of the endolymph resulting in vertigo

Question 4

How is BPV diagnosed?

Answer 4

1. Dix-Hallpike manoevre
2. manoevre - lies the patient down quickly as eyes are observed - nystagmus will occur on the side tested
3. nyst

Question 5

How is BPV treated?

Answer 5

Epley’s manouvre on the most effected side indicated by the Dix-Hallpike manoevre

2. helps the canaliths fall into the utricle
3. mainly used for symptomatic relief