An Audiologists Guide to Diagnosing Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is a common vestibular disorder characterized by sudden and brief episodes of dizziness triggered by specific head movements. This manuscript provides an exploration of BPPV, including its etiology, clinical presentation within the videonystagmography test battery, and proposed risk factors and preventative measures. To provide a foundational understanding, an overview of both the peripheral and central vestibular systems will be included, as well as content highlighting the vestibular structures affected by this disorder. Additionally, the relationship between the vestibular system and the vestibulo-ocular reflex is explored, emphasizing the dysfunctional response of nystagmus and its diagnostic significance. Given the complexity of BPPV, accurate diagnosis and personalized management strategies are crucial for healthcare professionals to fully appreciate. Therefore, various treatment approaches, including canalith repositioning procedures, vestibular rehabilitation therapy, and for severe cases, surgical interventions, will be discussed. Despite extensive research on BPPV, gaps in the literature remain. Finally, current limitations are analyzed which form future directions for research, aiming ultimately to further the understanding and management of this vestibular disorder.