Residual dizziness after successful repositioning maneuvers for idiopathic benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

Abstract

Objective: To establish a possible causal factor for residual dizziness (RD) after successful repositioning maneuvers in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).

Materials and method: Ninety consecutive patients with idiopathic BPPV were treated with repositioning maneuvers, and the rate of RD was assessed as well as clinical data. Posturography and assessment of anxiety levels were performed on patients reporting RD. Results were compared with a control group of BPPV patients of the sample after repositioning maneuvers and without RD.

Results: Twenty-eight subjects (31.1%) reported RD on the second day after successful repositioning maneuvers. The mean duration of RD was 11.6 ± 3.9 days. Patients with RD presented a higher duration of BPPV (14.1 vs. 10.9 days, p = 0.01). A correlation was demonstrated between the duration of BPPV and duration of RD (p < 0.01). Subjects with RD presented increased body sways, above all in eyes-closed conditions.

Conclusion: RD is mainly correlated with duration of vertigo in BPPV patients. Anxiety was demonstrated to play a role in increased body sways.