Posterior Canal BPPV Flashcards
What does BPPV stand for?
BPPV stands for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo.
What does ‘benign’ mean in BPPV?
Benign means it does not result in permanent vestibular dysfunction and is not due to CNS pathology.
What does ‘paroxysmal’ mean in BPPV?
Paroxysmal means the symptoms occur in sudden, brief spells.
What does ‘positional’ mean in BPPV?
Positional means the symptoms are triggered by certain head movements or positions.
What does ‘vertigo’ mean in BPPV?
Vertigo refers to a false sense of movement, usually described as room spinning.
What are the primary symptoms of BPPV?
Primary symptoms of BPPV include episodes of vertigo triggered by head movements, lasting less than a minute.
What common activities can trigger BPPV symptoms?
Common activities that can trigger BPPV include looking overhead, lying down, getting out of bed, rolling over in bed, and bending over.
How long do BPPV episodes typically last?
BPPV episodes typically last less than 1 minute.
What percentage of dizziness cases in clinics are due to BPPV?
17-42% of dizziness cases in clinics are due to BPPV.
Which age group is most commonly affected by BPPV?
BPPV is most common in individuals aged 50-70.
What are some common causes of BPPV?
Common causes of BPPV include age, head trauma, vestibular neuritis, and prolonged positioning with the ear in a dependent position.
What is the role of otoconia in BPPV?
Otoconia, or calcium carbonate crystals, become dislodged from the utricle and migrate into a semicircular canal, causing BPPV.
What are the age-related changes in otoconia that contribute to BPPV?
As we age, otoconia can hypertrophy, develop cracks, and break off, increasing the risk of BPPV.
What is canalithiasis?
Canalithiasis is caused by free-floating otoconia within a semicircular canal, leading to short-duration vertigo and nystagmus.
What is cupulolithiasis?
Cupulolithiasis occurs when otoconia adhere to the cupula, causing longer-lasting vertigo and nystagmus.
Which semicircular canal is most commonly affected by BPPV?
The posterior semicircular canal is most commonly affected by BPPV.
What is the difference between canalithiasis and cupulolithiasis in terms of symptoms?
- Canalithiasis typically results in vertigo lasting less than 1 minute.
- Cupulolithiasis causes vertigo lasting more than 1 minute.
What are the typical findings in a subjective examination for BPPV?
Subjective examination findings for BPPV include vertigo lasting less than 1 minute, triggered by head movements, with possible nausea and imbalance.