Prevalence of vestibular hypofunction in benign paroxysmal postural vertigo after head trauma

Abstract

Introduction: Head trauma can generate vertigo, dizziness and instability. Possible otor­hinolaryngologic causes are benign paroxysmal postural vertigo (BPPV), which is the most frequent diagnosis, and vestibular hypofunction. Aim: To describe the prevalence of vesti­bular hypofunction in a group of patients with BPPV associated with head trauma. We stu­died the clinical characteristics, vestibular function test findings and the number of (PRM). Material and Method: Retrospective study of patients with BPPV associated with head trauma who underwent particle repositioning maneuvers (PRM) during the years 2017 to 2021. Clinical characteristics, vestibular function test findings and the number of PRM were evaluated. Results: 48 patents were included. The mean age was 60.8 ± 16.5 years old, 52% were women. The prevalence of patients with concomitant vestibular paresis was 35.4%. When comparing the groups with and without paresis the following was observed: (1) as­sociated brain contusions were significatively more frequent in the paresis group, 47.1% vs 12.9%; (2) male sex was significatively more frequent in the paresis group, 70.59% vs 35.5%; (3) in both groups, the median of needed PRM was 1. Conclusion: The presence of vestibular paresis in patients with BPPV secondary to head trauma is not an infrequent finding. In our study, its prevalence was 35.4%, being significatively more frequent in men. Also, associated brain contusions were significatively more frequent in the paresis group.