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Review
. 2022 Mar 14;12(2):152-161.
doi: 10.3390/audiolres12020018.

Atypical Positional Vertigo: Definition, Causes, and Mechanisms

Sergio Carmona  1   2 , Guillermo Javier Zalazar  1   3 , Martin Fernández  1 , Gabriela Grinstein  2 , João Lemos  4
Affiliations
Review

Atypical Positional Vertigo: Definition, Causes, and Mechanisms

Sergio Carmona et al. Audiol Res. .

Abstract

Paroxysmal positional vertigo is a frequent cause for consultation. When approaching these patients, we try to differentiate central from peripheral causes, but sometimes we find manifestations that generate diagnostic doubts. In this review, we address atypical paroxysmal positional vertigo, reviewing the literature on the subject and giving a provisional definition of atypical positional vertigo as well as outlining its causes and pathophysiological mechanisms.

Keywords: APV (atypical positional vertigo); apogeotropic PV; heavy cupula; light cupula; vertigo in childhood; vestibular migraine.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Ladder of atypicality.
Figure 2
Figure 2
The debris inside the posterior semicircular canal (PSC) close to the common crus (A), gravitating toward the PSC ampullary arm (B).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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