Clinical Characteristics of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo of the Anterior Semicircular Canal

Kim, Minbum

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study is to investigate the characteristics of anterior semicircular canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This is a retrospective chart review of 1,150 patients who were diagnosed with BPPV at an ENT special hospital. We investigated a number of canalith repositioning procedure (CRP), canal switch and a history of recurrence or head trauma.
RESULTS
Anterior semicircular canal BPPV was observed in 41 (3.5%) patients. The average number of CRPs in patients with anterior semicircular canal BPPV was 2.19, which was higher than 1.60 in those with posterior semicircular canal BPPV (p<0.0001). Canal conversion from anterior to posterior semicircular canal was found in 5 (12.1%) patients during treatment. The average number of CRPs in conversion cases was 4, which was higher than 1.94 in non-conversion cases (p=0.001).
CONCLUSION
More CRPs were necessary for the treatment of anterior semicircular canal BPPV than posterior semicircular canal BPPV. Canal switch could be considered as a factor to prevent a successful treatment.