Database of benign positional paroxysmal nystagmus.
Classification of various manifestations of benign positional paroxysmal nystagmus, due to canalolithiasis or to cupulolithiasis, as a reaction to movements and to the site of detritus, is now possible due to the integration of theoretical knowledge (relationships between the semicircular canals and/or ampullae and the vestibulo-ocular pathways) with the forms of nystagmus induced when the head is placed in various positions. A comparison is made of results in patients examined in three Departments, during the past 3 years, and data presented in the literature. Findings are presented in a database which enables the clinician to compare the standard diagnostic manoeuvres (Dix-Hallpike, Pagnini-McClure, Rose) with results obtained by placing the head in alternative positions. This approach offers all the information needed to identify the site of onset and hence to formulate a correct diagnosis, thus directly indicating the most appropriate liberating or repositioning manoeuvre or--in the case of a suspected central lesion--to suggest further tests. Moreover, it is suggested that this table could become a useful tool for teaching purposes.
Iorio
N
N
ENT Division, Moscati Hospital ASLCe2, Aversa (NA), Italy.
Sequino
L
L
Chiarella
G
G
Cassandro
E
E
D005133:Eye Movements / Q000502:physiology*; D018522:Gravitropism / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D009760:Nystagmus, Physiologic / Q000502:physiology*; D012399:Rotation; D012665:Semicircular Canals / Q000502:physiology*