Unrecognized benign paroxysmal positional vertigo in elderly patients

Balance disorders in elderly patients are associated with an increased risk of falls but are often difficult to diagnose because of comorbid chronic m edical problems. We performed a cross-sectional study to determine the prev alence of unrecognized benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and asso ciated lifestyle sequelae in a public, inner-city geriatric population. Diz ziness was found in 61% of patients, whereas balance disorders were found i n 77% of patients. Nine percent were found to have unrecognized BPPV. Multi variate analysis demonstrated that the presence of a spinning sensation and the absence of a lightheadedness sensation predicted the presence of unrec ognized BPPV. Patients with unrecognized BPPV were more likely to have redu ced activities of daily living scores, to have sustained a fall in the prev ious 3 months, and to have depression. These data indicate that unrecognize d BPPV is common within the elderly population and has associated morbidity . Further prospective studies are warranted.