Res Vestib Sci.  2022 Dec;21(4):99-103. 10.21790/rvs.2022.21.4.99.

The Head-Bending Test in Posterior Semicircular Canal Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

• Choi Sl
• Kim HS
• Choi JH
• Oh EH

• KMID: 2536893
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.21790/rvs.2022.21.4.99

Abstract

Objectives
This study aimed to investigate clinical significance of a head-bending test in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) involving the posterior semicircular canal (PC-BPPV).
Methods
We retrospectively recruited 256 patients with unilateral PC-BPPV between January 2016 and December 2021, and assessed the clinical characteristics of patients showing head-bending nystagmus (HBN).
Results
Of 256 patients, 138 (53.9%) showed HBN. Most patients (n=136, 98.6%) had downbeat nystagmus with (n=38) or without (n=98) torsional component. The remaining two patients had pure upbeat and torsional nystagmus, respectively. The torsional component was directed to the contralesional side in all. Between patients with and without HBN, there were no significant differences in clinical characteristics such as age, lateralization, types of BPPV (canalolithiasis or cupulolithiasis), and success rate of repositioning maneuver.
Conclusions
Head-bending test may be useful in predicting the diagnosis and lateralization of PC-BPPV.

Keyword

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo; Posterior canal; Nystagmus; 양성돌발두위현훈; 수직반고리관; 안진