Abstract

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between the recurrence and clinical features of posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (p-BPPV). Materials and Methods: Eighty one consecutive patients with p-BPPV in 1 year period were selected and traced for 2 years by telephone interview and chart review. We reviewed the clinical chart to confirm the lesional side of semicircular canals when 13 patients of the recurrent groups had readmitted. We compared clinical characters between the recurrent group and the nonrecurrent group. Results: The recurrence rate after the successful treatment in the p-BPPV is 28% (23/81) patients. There was no difference in the age, sex, and days prior to visit between the recurrent group and the nonrecurrent group (72%, 58/81). The interval to recurrences were ranged from 8 days to 24 months. In the patients we could confirm the side of recurrences (13/23), there was a tendency of recurring on the same side in the early recurrences (within 14 days) (4/13). Conclusion: In considering the causes, the fact that early recurrences tend to be on the same side may be related to unilateral otolith dysfunction as the cause of recurrences in p-BPPV. But the late recurrence may be related to systemic condition because recurrent BPPV developed equally on both sides.

• Keywords: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo;Semicircular canals;Recurrence;