Recurrence Rate of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo – A Multicenter Survey

Abstract

Background: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common peripheral vestibular disease. However, the data on the recurrence rate of this condition is lacking. The objectives of this study were to estimate the recurrence rate and factors for the recurrence of BPPV. Methods: This multicenter survey was conducted at the Otorhinolaryngology Clinic, Mahasarakham Hospital, and Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen University in Thailand. From 2016 to 2021, patients with evidence of remission indicated by no nystagmus during an otolaryngologist examination at the last outpatient visit were recruited. The survey was conducted to assess the recurrence, severity, and risk factors of the recurrence. Results: 84 patients participated in this study. All of the patients were followed up after the resolution of the disease to evaluate for the recurrence rate of BPPV. The recurrence rate of BPPV was 27.38%. The mean time to the first recurrence event was 4.47 months. The dizziness handicap index score and visual analog scale score were significantly decreased between baseline and the first recurrence event (p < 0.05). Factors such as age, gender, and comorbidities including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia were not significantly different between the recurrence group and control group (p = 0.248, 0.128, 0.369, 0.651, 0.537). Conclusions: Around 1 in 3 BPPV patients can suffer from a relapse. There was no significant risk factor for the recurrence of BPPV in this study.