Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo after intense physical activity: a report of nine cases

Abstract

The aim of this study was to report some clinical cases suggesting a possible correlation between benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and intense physical activity. Out of 430 BPPV cases referred to our out-patients clinic, 9 patients, showing symptoms of BPPV arising after an intense period of physical activity, were selected for this study. The posterior semicircular canal was affected in all the nine patients. The canalith repositioning procedure was successful and eliminated vertigo and nystagmus in all patients. During the follow-up period (12 months) all patients continued with the usual physical activity; four of the nine patients showed a recurrence of the BPPV symptoms after a new intense period of exercises: all were successfully treated by a new single Epley repositioning procedure. BPPV due to intense physical activity is a rare condition (9/430) and it may be caused by repeated vibratory vertical accelerations of a minor degree associated with metabolic variations during strenuous exercise.