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J Am Acad Audiol 2023; 34(05/06): 127-131
DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1790261
Research Article

Relationship between Location of Focal Traumatic Brain Injury and Canal Involved in Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

Regan G. Harrell 
1   Department of Physical Therapy, University of Pittsburgh, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
,
Chelsea J. Manetta
1   Department of Physical Therapy, University of Pittsburgh, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
2   Center for Rehabilitation Services, UPMC, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
,
Susan L. Whitney
1   Department of Physical Therapy, University of Pittsburgh, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
3   Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Abstract

Introduction Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) has a prevalence of 58% in a traumatic brain injury (TBI) population. Research on idiopathic BPPV has demonstrated a higher prevalence of right-sided canal involvement. While many studies have investigated the epidemiology of canal involvement in BPPV in both idiopathic and traumatic BPPV (BPPV associated with a fall), there has been no assessment of trauma location as a predictor of the location of BPPV.

Objectives The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the location of a focal TBI and canal involvement in BPPV.

Methods Patients who were admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation unit with a diagnosis of TBI were screened for BPPV. The primary outcome of this study was the side of the TBI, the BPPV type (posterior, horizontal, or anterior canal), and the side of the BPPV (right, left, or bilateral).

Results There were 42 people who had BPPV. Twenty-one had right-sided canal involvement, 14 had left-sided involvement, and 7 had bilateral involvement. Sixteen had right-side tissue involvement, 13 had left-side involvement, and 13 had bilateral involvement. There was no significant correlation between variables (χ2 = 1.70, p = 0.80).

Conclusion All patients with a TBI should have all canals assessed for BPPV as there is no relationship between the side of focal damage and canal involvement.

Keywords

benign paroxysmal positional vertigo - traumatic brain injury - positional - testing


Publication History

Received: 20 December 2022

Accepted: 21 April 2023

Article published online:
04 October 2024

© 2024. American Academy of Audiology. This article is published by Thieme.

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