The effects of the affected semicircular canal and nystagmus characteristics on the sensation of vertigo in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
Ercan Karababa1, Ayşe Nur Balaban1, Abdullah Sunar2, Bülent Satar3
1Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi, Gülhane Sağlık Bilimleri Fakültesi, Odyoloji Bölümü
2Gülhane Eğitim Ve Araştırma Hastanesi, Odyoloji Bölümü
3Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi, Gülhane Tıp Fakültesi, Kulak, Burun Ve Boğaz Anabilim Dalı
Keywords: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, dizziness, latency, nystagmus, vertigo.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the relationship between the affected semicircular canal and nystagmus characteristics with the perception of dizziness in individuals diagnosed with posterior canal (P-BPPV) or lateral canal (L-BPPV) benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.
METHODS: In this prospective study, a total of 56 individuals (37 females, 19 males; mean age: 55.5±10.0 years; range, 32 to 78 years) diagnosed with BPPV according to the Bárány Society criteria were evaluated using videonystagmography between March 2025 and July 2025. Forty of these patients had P-BPPV, while 16 had L-BPPV. The duration, latency, and intensity of nystagmus were recorded. The severity of dizziness was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and dizziness-related quality of life was evaluated using the Turkish version of the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI).
RESULTS: Left ear involvement was significantly more common in the L-BPPV group compared to the P-BPPV group (p<0.05). Nystagmus duration was significantly longer in the L-BPPV group (p<0.05). No significant differences were found between the groups in terms of other nystagmus parameters, the number of maneuvers and attacks, or VAS and DHI scores (p>0.05). In the P-BPPV group, a weak but significant positive correlation was observed between nystagmus duration and VAS score (p<0.05).
CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that nystagmus characteristics may not fully reflect the clinical experience of the disease, and symptom perception may vary individually and be influenced by multiple factors.