Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo commonly occurs following repair of superior canal dehiscence

Document Type

Article

Abstract

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Repair of superior canal dehiscence (SCD) often results in the resolution of preoperative auditory and vestibular symptoms; however, many patients experience dizziness in the postoperative period. Postoperative dizziness may be the result of new-onset benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). This study aims to investigate the prevalence of BPPV before and following SCD repair. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review at a tertiary care center. METHODS: Electronic medical records were reviewed for patients with a diagnosis of SCD syndrome (SCDS) between January 2002 and May 2015. Collected information included demographic data, incidence of BPPV diagnosed by Dix-Hallpike maneuver before and following surgery, operative technique, repair material, and the duration of time to BPPV onset. RESULTS: A total of 180 patients with a diagnosis of SCDS were identified: 84 patients underwent surgery (operated subjects) and 96 were observed (nonoperated, control group). In operated subjects, 20 of 84 (23.8%) developed BPPV following SCD repair versus 6.2% of nonoperated (P < 0.005). Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo lateralized to the operated side in all but one subject whose laterality was unknown (P < 0.0001). There were no associations of BPPV with surgical approach (P = 0.50) or repair material (P = 0.33). The majority of subjects (58%) were diagnosed with BPPV within 3 months of surgery. CONCLUSION: New-onset BPPV occurs commonly after SCD repair and may be the result of mobilized otoliths from inner ear pressure changes. Although the exact etiology of post-SCD repair BPPV remains unknown, postoperative dizziness is important to discuss with patients during preoperative counseling. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4. Laryngoscope, 126:2092-2097, 2016.

Medical Subject Headings

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (epidemiology, etiology); Female; Humans; Labyrinth Diseases (surgery); Male; Middle Aged; Postoperative Complications (epidemiology, etiology); Prevalence; Retrospective Studies; Semicircular Canals

Publication Date

9-1-2016

Publication Title

The Laryngoscope

E-ISSN

1531-4995

Volume

126

Issue

9

First Page

2092

Last Page

7

PubMed ID

26666775

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1002/lary.25797

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