Benign paroxysmal positioning vertigo: a long-term follow-up (6-17 years) of 125 patients.

CONCLUSIONS: The study disclosed a few predictive factors for benign paroxysmal positioning vertigo (BPPV) recurrences, which are clinically relevant and essential for patient awareness of the often long-term course of the condition.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the long-term recurrence rate of posterior canal BPPV after successful liberatory maneuvers.

METHODS: A retrospective self-evaluation questionnaire with a structured interview was conducted 6-17 years after assessment of the diagnosis in 125 patients.

RESULTS: The recurrence rate in patients with a mean follow-up of 10 years was 50%. Most recurrences (80%) were within the first year after treatment, irrespective of the liberatory maneuver applied. None of the patients observed a recurrence after a symptom-free period of 8 years. Recurrences were seen significantly more often in women (58% versus 39%). The recurrence rate of patients in the seventh decade was half that of those in the sixth decade (p=0.0009). A history of three or more BPPV attacks prior to treatment indicated a higher risk of impending multiple recurrences in about two-thirds of the patients.