Benign Paroxysmal Postural Vertigo (BPPV): A Review

Background: Benign paroxysmal postural vertigo is considered as the most frequent cause of vertigo worldwide because of which various times patient suffers the most dreaded complication which is not just because of vertigo but is due to the loss of balance during activities (such as driving and crossing the road,even while climbing up the stairs) and which is often misdiagnosed as a neurologic condition which further worsen the prognosis. This can be avoided by a simple OPD based manoeuver (series of movements) as a diagnostic procedure in most cases. Once diagnosed another series of movements (manoeuver) can be performed to afford symptomatic relief.

Objective: To create a complete systematic review of the prevalent reason of dizziness i.e. benign paroxysmal postural vertigo (BPPV) along with its historic background, diagnostic modality (associated with various manoeuvers ). Also, alternative methods of management considering their success rate and prognosis associated with precautions and primary measures (I.e prevention or decrease of risk factors, precautions and even to educate the patient about the disease.

Methodology: This article is reviewed from data taken from various articles found on various search engines like Google Scholars , PubMed , Research Gate along with the data taken from various books on he respective topics. Also, the data searched from various search engines using the terms like BPPV, Vertigo, VOR, Dix - Hallpike Maneuver, Posterior Semicircular Canal, Superior Semicircular Canal.

Conclusion : BPPV is a simple disorder that can be misdiagnosed if the history is not taken properly or examination is not done correctly, it can severely affect the patients day to day activity and can be a very problematic condition if the attack is precipitated while activities like driving or crossing the road, or even climbing,which can lead to dreaded complications. Henceforth it is a great topic of concern to resolve this disease which can be usually resolved by a simple OPD based management and can bring a great difference in the patient’s life for GOOD.