Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is a condition where vertigo (a sensation of spinning) is brought on by changing the position of the head (e.g. looking up, bending down, rolling over in bed)
Diagnosis for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
This illustration shows the patient position at the beginning of the Dix-Hallpike test.
This illustration shows the patient position at the beginning of the Dix-Hallpike test.
This illustration shows the patient position during the Dix-Hallpike test, with the head hanging left.
BPPV is usually diagnosed by the patient's history, examination, and a positive Dix-Hallpike test. A positive Dix-Hallpike test will elicit a burst of nystagmus, or rapid eye movement, with the patient's neck extended and head rotated toward the affected side while lying in the supine position. The patient will also report symptoms of vertigo. The direction and duration of nystagmus indicate whether the left or right side is involved and the canal and location within the canal that is affected. The Roll Test, another test to determine the presence of BPPV, is predominantly used to determine horizontal canal involvement.
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About Dr. Prasad
Dr. Sanjay Prasad MD FACS is a board certified physician and surgeon with over thirty-two years of sub-specialty experience in Otology, Neurotology, advanced head and neck oncologic surgery, and cranial base surgery. He is chief surgeon and founder of the private practice, Metropolitan NeuroEar Group, located in the metropolitan Washington D.C. area.