Clinical outcomes for various benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) diagnoses in adolescents and young adults with recent concussions

Thomas G Bowman; Rachel Thibault; Benjamin M Radack; Anissa Davis; Penelope Elam

doi:10.1016/j.ptsp.2023.12.004

Clinical outcomes for various benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) diagnoses in adolescents and young adults with recent concussions

Phys Ther Sport. 2024 Jan:65:90-94. doi: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2023.12.004. Epub 2023 Dec 7.

Authors

Thomas G Bowman¹, Rachel Thibault², Benjamin M Radack³, Anissa Davis⁴, Penelope Elam⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Athletic Training, College of Health Sciences, University of Lynchburg, 1501 Lakeside Dr, Lynchburg VA, 24501, USA. Electronic address: bowman.t@lynchburg.edu.
² Rehab Associates of Central Virginia, 3211 Forest Brook Rd, Lynchburg, VA, 24501, USA.
³ School of Physical Therapy, University of Lynchburg, 300 Monticello Ave, Ste A, Lynchburg, VA, 24501, USA.
⁴ School of Physical Therapy, University of Lynchburg, 300 Monticello Avenue, Suite A, Lynchburg, VA, 24501, USA.

PMID: 38096715
DOI: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2023.12.004

Abstract

Objective: Determine how positive BPPV findings in adolescents and young adults following concussion impacted the total number of treatments required and time until discharge.

Setting: Outpatient physical therapy clinic.

Participants: 167 individuals who were diagnosed with concussion or brain injury.

Design: Retrospective chart review.

Main measures: Total number of treatments and days until discharge were compared for various BPPV diagnoses (anterior canal, posterior canal, horizontal canal, and combination) and for individuals with and without BPPV.

Results: Fifty-one out of 167 cases (30.54%) were diagnosed with BPPV. The total number of treatments provided was statistically different across BPPV diagnoses (P = .004). However, days until discharge were not statistically different between BPPV diagnoses (P = .28). There was no significant difference between time to discharge between those with BPPV (median = 21 days, range = 7-126) and those without (median = 28 days, range = 7-84 days; P = .23, r = 0.09).

Conclusion: To optimize outcomes, including symptom resolution and return to sport and/or work, early identification of BPPV and subsequent intervention should be prioritized for individuals who have concussion symptoms that suggest vestibular dysfunction.

Keywords: BPPV; Concussion; Rehabilitation; Traumatic brain injury; Vestibular dysfunction.

MeSH terms

Adolescent
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo* / diagnosis
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo* / therapy
Brain Concussion* / diagnosis
Humans
Retrospective Studies
Semicircular Canals
Young Adult