Theoretical models for the mechanisms of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common vestibular disorder resulting from a malfunction of the semicircular canal. Prior studies attempting to elucidate the mechanics of BPPV have focused on clinical and laboratory findings, and have discussed theoretical aspects only in qualitative terms. The goal of this study is to create a mathematical description of BPPV mechanics based on biophysical principles, in order to improve the physiopathological understanding of the most common varieties of the disorder, canalithiasis and cupulolithiasis.