The History of Research in Vestibular Organ and Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

Abstract

Since B.C., vertigo had been described as a condition closely related to migraines or epilepsy. This perception remained during the 14th-16th century and vertigo was considered to be a symptom of brain disease. Until the 18th century, the perception remained that the vestibular organ would be in charge of hearing. However, during the 19th century, it was understood that the sense of equilibrium and vertigo might have been related to vestibular organs. Barany first mentioned positional vertigo and otolithic disease in 1921, and Dix and Hallpike defined their clinical characteristics in 1952. After studies from numerous otologists and neurologists, including Schuknecht and Epley, which identified benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) has emerged as one of today’s most common diseases. The development of various test methods enabled more detailed diagnosis of BPPV. The treatment performance also improved significantly as various canalith repositioning procedures were introduced.