ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) was the most frequent peripheral type vertigo. It has been well controlled with canalith repositioning procedure. Canalith repositioning procedure provides rapid and long-lasting relief of symptoms in most patients with BPPV. However, some patients express nonspecific symptoms such as anxiety or discomfort after canalith repositioning procedure, even after the disappearance of nystagmus and vertigo. The purpose of this study is to assess type distribution of BPPV and relationship between recurrence and subjective residual dizziness after canalith repositioning procedure in patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-five BPPV patients of 501 patients with dizziness who visited Dizziness Clinic in the Department of Otolaryngology at Soonchunhyang University Hospital from July 2005 to June 2008 were included in this study. These patients were retrospectively reviewed based on clinical charts. In the case of BPPV, repositioning procedure was performed. We analyzed the recurrence, the relationship between recurrence and subjective residual dizziness after canalith repositioning procedure. RESULTS: Overall recurrence rate was 13.6%. Lateral canal origin was more common than posterior canal origin. All cases except 1 were recovered by canalith repositioning procedure. There was no correlation between recurrence and origin, type, subjective residual dizziness of patients. CONCLUSION: Patients showed various origin, type and recurrence. After the successful canalith repositioning procedure, residual subjective symptoms of patients were presented sometimes, but was no relation to recurrence. Thus, additional follow up and emotional management may be needed.