title: [Pitfalls in the diagnosis of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo].
abstract: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common but often unrecognized cause of treatable vertigo. Possible causes of misdiagnosis of BPPV were studied by review of the records of 191 patients referred to our neurology clinic; 36 were identified as having BPPV not previously diagnosed. On referral the patients carried the following diagnoses: unspecified dizziness/vertigo (33%), transient ischemic attacks (28%), cervicogenic vertigo (19%), psychogenic dizziness/vertigo (11%), and others (8%). The paroxysmal nature of the vertigo and position-precipitating factors were not spontaneously reported by 31%. Atypical, even bizarre, symptoms including dizzy sensations were reported by 19%, and neck pain and headache were cardinal symptoms that accompanied vertigo. The Dix-Hallpike maneuver, which is essential for the diagnosis of BPPV, was not performed in any of the patients prior to referral. 30 (83%) experienced complete resolution of signs and symptoms after the first physical treatment session. We conclude that non-paroxysmal, non-positional vertigo does not rule out BPPV. Atypical and even bizarre complaints of dizziness, as well as neck pain and headache could be cardinal symptoms of BPPV. The Dix-Hallpike maneuver is mandatory in those complaining of dizziness and vertigo.
authors.affiliation: Dept. of Neurology, Meir General Hospital, Kfar Saba.
authors.forename: C R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Gordon
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Zur
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Furas
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Kott
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Gadoth
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011187:Posture; D014717:Vertigo / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology