Residual dizziness after successful repositioning maneuvers for idiopathic benign paroxysmal positional vertigo in the elderly

Background The benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a balance disorder with the most brilliant response to repositioning maneuvers; nevertheless, some patients report for a certain period afterward, imbalance without positional vertigo, named residual dizziness (RD). This imbalance is often described as a sensation of lightheadedness or dizziness in absence of vertigo or nystagmus, or short-lasting unsteadiness occurring during head movements, standing, or walking. Aim To evaluate the possible factors involved in RD after successful repositioning maneuvers for BPPV in the elderly. Patients and methods This study was done on 100 patients complaining of RD after successful repositioning maneuver; their ages were not less than 60 years old. The study was done during the period from November 2017 to march 2019 at the audiovestibular unit of ENT Department at Minia University Hospital and approved by the Ethics Committee, and all patients gave their informed consent before inclusion in the study. Data were collected on the characteristics and duration of any RD, and the clinical factors associated with the RD were analyzed using a specialized computer statistical program. Results The study showed that there were significant relationships between RD and other systemic diseases such as uncontrolled hypertension, uncontrolled diabetes, anxiety, depression, cataract, osteoporosis, tinnitus, vitamin D deficiency, joint pain, migraine, heart diseases, anemia, glaucoma, pneumonia, and polyneuropathy. Conclusion There is increased risk of RD after successful repositioning maneuvers in elderly patients with BPPV owing to many factors, and fast diagnosis is desirable to avoid risk of falls and anxiety related to unsteadiness in these patients.