Strategies to Distinguish Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo from Rotational Vertebrobasilar Ischemia

Annals of Vascular Surgery, 02/05/10
Katherine D. Heidenreich1, Wendy J. Carender1, Michael J. Heidenreich2, Steven A. Telian1

Vertigo provoked by head rotation is a classic symptom of rotational vertebrobasilar ischemia (RVBI). Inner ear disease can cause positional vertigo and mimic RVBI. We review the case of a patient with vertigo consistently triggered by leftward head rotation when supine. Computed tomography angiogram and dynamic arteriogram failed to show compression of the vertebral arteries with head rotation. Further evaluation revealed benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) as the underlying etiology. Treatment of her BPPV led to complete resolution of her symptoms. A succinct overview of this common otologic disorder is provided, and strategies to help distinguish it from RVBI are discussed.

Ann Arbor, Michigan

1 Division of Otology and Neurotology, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI
1 Division of Otology and Neurotology, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI
2 Department of General Surgery, Saint Joseph Mercy Hospital, Ann Arbor, MI
Correspondence to: Katherine D. Heidenreich, MD, Division of Otology and Neurotology, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan Health System, 1904 Taubman Center, 1500 E. Medical Center Dr., SPC 5312, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5312.