Benign paroxysmal positioning vertigo: a long-term follow-up (6-17 years) of 125 patients.
CONCLUSIONS
The study disclosed a few predictive factors for benign paroxysmal positioning vertigo (BPPV) recurrences, which are clinically relevant and essential for patient awareness of the often long-term course of the condition.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the long-term recurrence rate of posterior canal BPPV after successful liberatory maneuvers.


METHODS
A retrospective self-evaluation questionnaire with a structured interview was conducted 6-17 years after assessment of the diagnosis in 125 patients.


RESULTS
The recurrence rate in patients with a mean follow-up of 10 years was 50%. Most recurrences (80%) were within the first year after treatment, irrespective of the liberatory maneuver applied. None of the patients observed a recurrence after a symptom-free period of 8 years. Recurrences were seen significantly more often in women (58% versus 39%). The recurrence rate of patients in the seventh decade was half that of those in the sixth decade (p=0.0009). A history of three or more BPPV attacks prior to treatment indicated a higher risk of impending multiple recurrences in about two-thirds of the patients.
Brandt
Thomas
T
Department of Neurology, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany. thomas.brandt@med.uni-muenchen.de
Huppert
Doreen
D
Hecht
Joachim
J
Karch
Cornelia
C
Strupp
Michael
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014717:Vertigo / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology*