THE PREVALENCE OF BENIGN PAROXYSMAL POSITIONAL VERTIGO AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH QUALITY OF LIFE

Abstract

Introduction: Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is an inner ear mechanical disorder caused by dislodged otoconial debris from the utricle entering one or more semicircular canals.

Material & Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in UMT Lahore. 219 participants were included in the study through convenient sampling determined asymptomatic healthy adults aged 18-40 years, including those at high risk of falling. Individuals with conditions that hinder BPPV diagnosis or those with existing vestibular or musculoskeletal disorders were excluded. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire. Participants were recruited from University of Management and Technology, School of Health Sciences campus students and workers, with informed consent obtained prior to data collection. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 22.

Results: The mean age of the 219 participants was 23.06 years (SD = 4.63). Female participants significantly outnumbered males, with 82.2% (180 individuals) being female and 17.8% (39 individuals) male. Regarding symptoms, 43.4% of the participants reported feeling dizzy, while 56.6% did not. The prevalence of BPPV, assessed using the Dix-Hallpike maneuver, was found to be 13.2%, while 86.8% tested negative for BPPV. Despite vertigo symptoms being present in a notable portion of participants, the statistical analysis did not reveal a significant association between vertigo test results and quality of life scores, as indicated by a p-value of 0.414.

Conclusion: BPPV is most likely the most prevalent cause of vestibular vertigo, accounting for 20 to 30% of cases diagnosed in specialized clinics. This study aims to highlight the importance of early diagnosis and intervention for BPPV, particularly in individuals with low quality of life, to improve overall well-being and reduce psychological distress.