Diagnostic Criteria of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the mos common cause of peripheral vertigo. The pathophysiology of BPPV is canalolithiasis which includes free-floating otoconial debris within the endolymph of a semicircular canal, or cupulolithiasis comprising otoconial debris adherent to the cupula. The posterior and/or lateral semicircular canals are often affected in BPPV. It is characterized by a brief episode of rotatory vertigo associated with positional and/or positioning nystagmus, which is elicited by specific head positions or changes in head position relative to gravity. In the case of the posterior canal type of BPPV, torsional nystagmus is induced by the Dix-Hallpike test. In patients of lateral canal type of BPPV, horizontal geotropic or apogeotropic nystagmus is induced by the supine roll test. The observation of positional and/or positioning nystagmus is needed for the diagnosis of BPPV. The treatment of BPPV includes canalith repositioning procedure (CRP). By series of head position changes, the CRP moves the otoconial debris from the involved semicircular canal to the utricle. This review article presents operational diagnostic criteria for BPPV, formulated by the Committee for Classification of Vestibular Disorders of the Barany Society. This classification reflects the current knowledge of the clinical aspect and pathophysiology of BPPV. These diagnostic criteria will be helpful for the understanding of the disease and will lead to further development in the management of BPPV.