The prevalence of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo in patients with osteoporosis.

Background: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is one of the most common causes of dizziness. There is some evidence that osteoporosis is a risk factor for BPPV.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of BPPV in patients with proven osteoporosis.

Materials And Methods: We examined 187 new consecutive patients who attended our osteoporosis clinic. All patients had proven osteoporosis (DEXA scan resulting in a T score ≤ - 2.5). Patients completed a screening questionnaire assessing the presence of episodic vertigo provoked by changes in head position. When we suspected the presence of BPPV, we performed a Dix-Hallpike manoeuvre and a supine roll test. If the diagnostic procedure was positive, a (therapeutic) canalith repositioning manoeuvre (CRM) was performed.

Results: Twelve out of 187 patients had a history of typical vertigo compatible with BPPV. In four patients, the presence of BPPV was confirmed by means of a positive Dix-Hallpike manoeuvre. The prevalence of BPPV in this population of patients with osteoporosis was 2.1% (95% CI 0.8-5.4%).

Conclusion: The prevalence of BPPV in patients with osteoporosis is low. Based on this study, we suggest that there does not seem to be a relation between osteoporosis and BPPV.