Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and orthostatic hypotension.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to investigate a possible correlation between post-benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) dizziness and orthostatic hypotension (OH) using the head-up tilt test (HUTT).


METHODS
Twenty-nine patients previously affected by BPPV and successfully underwent repositioning maneuvers were tested using the HUTT.


RESULTS
Our data do not show a statistically significant relationship between OH and the persistence of balance disorders after recovery from BPPV; anyway the prevalence of OH in the overall sample (34%) and in subjects affected by balance disorders after recovery (40%), was higher than in the general population.


CONCLUSIONS
it is reasonable to hypothesize that OH plays a role in the genesis of orthostatic dizziness that patients commonly experience after recovery from BPPV. To improve the sensitivity of the HUTT, it would be advisable to use non-invasive continuous blood pressure monitoring. Although we feel that additional data are needed, we believe that the present work underlines the importance of considering anomalies of the autonomic system in the differential diagnosis of dizziness and could offer the basis for further studies about the role of sympathetic reflexes in those cases of persistence of symptoms after recovery from BPPV.
Pezzoli
Matteo
M
1st ENT Division, Department of Physiopathology, University of Turin, Via Genova 3, 10126, Turin, Italy. ma.pezzoli@libero.it
Garzaro
Massimiliano
M
Pecorari
Giancarlo
G
Cena
Manuele
M
Giordano
Carlo
C
Albera
Roberto
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000502:physiology; D004244:Dizziness / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007024:Hypotension, Orthostatic / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology; D012018:Reflex / Q000502:physiology; D012399:Rotation; D014717:Vertigo / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D055815:Young Adult