Does aging affect benign paroxysmal positional vertigo treatment?

Abstract

Introduction: Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo is seen in all age groups; however, its incidence increases with age. In addition to many factors affecting its treatment, aging is also thought to have an effect on treatment. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between the number of maneuvers applied in treatment and patient’s age, gender and the affected canal. Materials and Method: In total 290 subjects, between 18 to 87 years were included in the study. The positional tests were performed and the appropriate maneuver was performed based on affected canal. Following third day the maneuver positional tests were repeated. If the symptoms and / or nystagmus continued, maneuver was performed again. Results: It was found that older adults require higher number of maneuvers to recover (p<0.05, r= 0.33). In addition, comorbidities such as hypertension and migraine were observed more frequently in older adults compared to the other groups. Conclusion: Changes and comorbidities caused by aging render treatment process far and difficult in the elderly.