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 Faculty of Health Sciences - sbf@gelisim.edu.tr


 Warning from Prof. Turhan San: Dizziness Should Not Be Underestimated

Prof. Turhan San, a faculty member in the Department of Audiology at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Istanbul Gelisim University, emphasized that Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) -a common cause of positional dizziness- and especially multi-canal involvement should not be overlooked.

Warning from Prof. Turhan San: Dizziness Should Not Be Underestimated

Prof. Turhan San, a faculty member in the Department of Audiology at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Istanbul Gelisim University, emphasized that Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) — a common cause of positional dizziness — and especially multi-canal involvement should not be overlooked.

The most common peripheral vestibular disorder, BPPV, is typified by brief, recurrent episodes of vertigo brought on by head position changes. BPPV is generally thought to be caused by otoliths that separate from the utricular macula and either adhere to the cupula (cupulolithiasis) or move into the semicircular canals (canalithiasis), resulting in a variety of symptoms.

According to San, while the lateral and anterior canals are less frequently affected, the posterior semicircular canal is involved in most BPPV cases. However, multi-canal BPPV (MC-BPPV), which affects multiple canals simultaneously, presents a more complex clinical picture in terms of diagnosis and treatment.

Diagnosis and Treatment Difficulties

The nystagmus observed in MC-BPPV is typically more complex and atypical, which may lead to confusion with vertigo originating from the central nervous system. This makes accurate diagnosis more challenging. Common diagnostic methods include the Dix-Hallpike and Roll tests.

Treatment involves canal-specific repositioning maneuvers. The most commonly used techniques include the Epley, Semont, Lempert, and Yacovino maneuvers. These techniques aim to reposition displaced otoliths back to their proper location.

More Common in Women

Studies suggest that multi-canal BPPV may be more common than previously thought. It appears more frequently in women and may show a tendency to recur in some patients. Additionally, conditions such as head trauma, Meniere's disease, and sudden hearing loss may be associated with the development of MC-BPPV.

“Do Not Take Vertigo Lightly”

Prof. Turhan San warned that vertigo should not be considered a trivial complaint:

“Although BPPV is generally a benign condition, if not properly diagnosed and treated with appropriate maneuvers, it can significantly reduce quality of life. Individuals experiencing recurrent dizziness should definitely consult a specialist.”

San concluded by emphasizing that early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can effectively control BPPV. However, careful evaluation is especially important in cases involving multi-canal involvement.

SDG Resmi SDG Resmi


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