Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo — MCQs
A 60-year-old man presents to his primary care physician complaining that he often feels as if the room is spinning when he gets up from a recumbent position or turns his head. He has not lost consciousness and has had no chest pain. He has no cardiac history, and a recent treadmill test showed no abnormalities. On examination, the sensation can be produced by rapidly turning the head. It can be reproduced many times, but it eventually ceases. Nystagmus is elicited. Hearing is normal. Which of the following is the MOST likely mechanism for this patient's symptoms?
Which of the following is not used in the management of post-dural headache?
A 25-year-old woman presents with episodes of dizziness, tinnitus, and hearing loss in the right ear. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Epley's maneuver is used in the treatment of:
Which of the following test is being performed on the patient?
Best surgery to relieve intractable vertigo in a Meniere's disease patient with profound hearing loss is?
A patient with cholesteatoma has lateral semicircular canal fistula. The most specific sign is:
Recruitment phenomenon is seen in:
A person presenting to the outpatient department with complaints of rotational vertigo and nausea in the morning, which worsens with changes in head position. What is your diagnosis?
A female patient presents with mild conductive hearing loss (CHL) and tinnitus. Based on the pure tone audiometry (PTA) shown in the image, what is the most likely diagnosis?
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Question 1: A 60-year-old man presents to his primary care physician complaining that he often feels as if the room is spinning when he gets up from a recumbent position or turns his head. He has not lost consciousness and has had no chest pain. He has no cardiac history, and a recent treadmill test showed no abnormalities. On examination, the sensation can be produced by rapidly turning the head. It can be reproduced many times, but it eventually ceases. Nystagmus is elicited. Hearing is normal. Which of the following is the MOST likely mechanism for this patient's symptoms?
- A. Insufficient cerebral perfusion
- B. Insufficient cardiac output
- C. Aberrant stimulation of hair cells (Correct Answer)
- D. Hair cell death in the semicircular canals
Explanation: ***Aberrant stimulation of hair cells*** - The symptoms of **positional vertigo** (room spinning with head movements) and fatigable nystagmus without hearing loss are characteristic of **benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)**. - BPPV is caused by dislodged **otoconia** (calcium carbonate crystals) from the utricle that enter the semicircular canals, leading to inappropriate stimulation of the **hair cells** during head movements. *Insufficient cerebral perfusion* - While inadequate cerebral perfusion can cause dizziness or lightheadedness, it typically presents as **presyncope** or orthostatic hypotension, not the rotatory sensation of vertigo. - The patient's symptoms are specifically triggered by head movements and are not associated with changes in body position leading to systemic hypotension. *Insufficient cardiac output* - Insufficient cardiac output can lead to generalized weakness, lightheadedness, or syncope, but it rarely causes the specific sensation of **spinning vertigo** or movement-induced **nystagmus**. - The patient's recent **normal treadmill test** and lack of cardiac history make primary cardiac issues an unlikely cause for these specific symptoms. *Hair cell death in the semicircular canals* - **Hair cell death** would typically result in a permanent or persistent deficit, not a transient, positional vertigo that can be reproduced but eventually ceases (fatigues). - Conditions involving hair cell damage, such as **Meniere's disease** or **labyrinthitis**, often present with additional symptoms like hearing loss or tinnitus, which are absent in this patient.
Question 2: Which of the following is not used in the management of post-dural headache?
- A. Hydration
- B. Epidural blood patch
- C. Propped up position (Correct Answer)
- D. Sumatriptan
Explanation: ***Propped up position*** - Maintaining a **propped-up position** can worsen a post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) because it increases the hydrostatic pressure gradient on the brain, exacerbating the intracranial hypotension. - PDPH is typically relieved by lying **supine** and worsened by sitting or standing, indicating that an upright position is contraindicated for symptom relief. *Sumatriptan* - **Sumatriptan**, a selective serotonin receptor agonist, can be used to treat post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) in some patients, particularly if the headache has migrainous features. - It works by causing **vasoconstriction** of intracranial blood vessels, which may help reduce cerebral blood flow and alleviate headache pain. *Hydration* - **Hydration**, specifically increasing fluid intake, is a common and often effective conservative measure for managing post-dural puncture headache (PDPH). - Adequate hydration can help increase **cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) volume** and pressure, thereby reducing the severity of the headache caused by CSF leakage. *Epidural blood patch* - An **epidural blood patch (EBP)** is considered the definitive treatment for severe or persistent post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) that does not respond to conservative measures. - It involves injecting a small amount of the patient's own blood into the epidural space, forming a clot that seals the dural puncture site and **stops CSF leakage**.
Question 3: A 25-year-old woman presents with episodes of dizziness, tinnitus, and hearing loss in the right ear. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- A. Labyrinthitis
- B. Ménière's disease (Correct Answer)
- C. Acoustic neuroma
- D. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
Explanation: ***Ménière's disease*** - This condition is characterized by a classic triad of **episodic vertigo (dizziness)**, fluctuating **sensorineural hearing loss**, and **tinnitus**, often accompanied by aural fullness, typically affecting one ear. - The symptoms arise from an accumulation of **endolymph** in the inner ear, leading to increased pressure and dysfunction. *Labyrinthitis* - **Labyrinthitis** is an inflammation of the inner ear, usually viral, causing sudden, severe **vertigo** potentially with hearing loss and tinnitus. - Unlike Meniere's disease, **hearing loss** and **tinnitus** in labyrinthitis are usually constant rather than episodic or fluctuating. *Acoustic neuroma* - An **acoustic neuroma** (vestibular schwannoma) is a benign tumor on the eighth cranial nerve, often causing **gradual, progressive unilateral hearing loss**, tinnitus, and **balance issues**, but typically not episodic severe dizziness. - While it can cause hearing loss and tinnitus, the **episodic nature of vertigo** is less common than in Ménière's disease. *Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo* - **BPPV** is characterized by sudden, **brief episodes of vertigo** triggered by specific head movements, caused by dislodged **otoconia** in the semicircular canals. - Critically, BPPV does **not** typically cause associated **hearing loss or tinnitus**, which are prominent symptoms in the presented case.
Question 4: Epley's maneuver is used in the treatment of:
- A. BPPV (Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo) (Correct Answer)
- B. Infective labyrinthitis
- C. Cervical spondylosis
- D. Tinnitus
Explanation: ***BPPV (Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo)*** - The **Epley's maneuver** is a repositioning procedure specifically designed to treat **benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)** by moving displaced otoconia out of the semicircular canals. - BPPV is characterized by brief episodes of **vertigo** triggered by specific head movements. *Infective labyrinthitis* - **Infective labyrinthitis** is an inflammation of the inner ear, typically caused by a viral or bacterial infection, leading to vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus. - Its treatment involves antibiotics or antivirals and symptomatic relief, not physical maneuvers. *Cervical spondylosis* - **Cervical spondylosis** is a degenerative condition affecting the neck vertebrae and discs, causing neck pain, stiffness, and sometimes neurological symptoms. - Treatment focuses on physical therapy, pain management, and sometimes surgery, not the Epley's maneuver. *Tinnitus* - **Tinnitus** is the perception of noise or ringing in the ears without an external source, often a symptom of an underlying condition. - Management involves addressing the underlying cause, sound therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy, with no role for the Epley's maneuver.
Question 5: Which of the following test is being performed on the patient?
- A. Caloric stimulation test
- B. Doll's eye reflex
- C. Dix-Hallpike test (Correct Answer)
- D. Frenzel maneuver
Explanation: ***Dix-Hallpike test*** - The image depicts a patient being moved from an upright sitting position to a supine position with the head turned to one side and extended, which is characteristic of the **Dix-Hallpike maneuver**. - This test is used to diagnose **benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)** by provoking vertigo and nystagmus as a result of otoconia displacement in the semicircular canals. *Caloric stimulation test* - This test involves introducing **warm or cold water/air into the ear canal** to induce nystagmus, assessing the vestibular system. - It's typically performed with the patient lying supine with their head elevated at 30 degrees, not involving the specific positional changes shown in the image. *Doll's eye reflex* - Also known as the **oculocephalic reflex**, it assesses brainstem function by rapidly turning the patient's head while observing eye movement. - This reflex is primarily used to evaluate comatose patients and does not involve the complex body and head positioning seen in the image. *Frenzel maneuver* - The Frenzel maneuver is performed during **otoscopy** to check for nystagmus by having the patient gaze through high plus lenses in a dark room. - It is often used to suppress visual fixation and enhance nystagmus, but it does not involve the specific body or head movements depicted.
Question 6: Best surgery to relieve intractable vertigo in a Meniere's disease patient with profound hearing loss is?
- A. Vestibular neurectomy
- B. Endolymphatic sac decompression
- C. Cochleosacculotomy
- D. Surgical Labyrinthectomy (Correct Answer)
Explanation: **Surgical Labyrinthectomy** * **Labyrinthectomy** is the most effective surgical option for intractable vertigo in Meniere's disease when the affected ear also has **profound hearing loss**, as it completely ablates the vestibular function of the inner ear. * Since the patient already has profound hearing loss, the loss of residual hearing from this procedure is not a significant concern, making it an ideal choice for **vertigo control**. *Vestibular neurectomy* * **Vestibular neurectomy** is a highly effective procedure for intractable vertigo, as it aims to selectively cut the vestibular nerve while preserving hearing. * However, it is a more complex surgical approach compared to labyrinthectomy and is typically reserved for patients with **serviceable hearing** that they wish to preserve. *Endolymphatic sac decompression* * **Endolymphatic sac decompression** is a surgical procedure designed to improve the reabsorption of endolymph, thereby reducing the pressure and symptoms of Meniere's disease, including vertigo and hearing loss. * While it may improve vertigo symptoms, it is less consistently effective than ablative procedures for intractable vertigo and its primary benefit is to **preserve hearing**, which is not a priority in a patient with profound hearing loss. *Cochleosacculotomy* * **Cochleosacculotomy** involves making a small opening in the labyrinth to drain endolymph, aiming to reduce endolymphatic hydrops and alleviate vertigo. * Though it can help with vertigo, it carries a high risk of causing complete hearing loss in the operated ear and offers less reliable vertigo control compared to a labyrinthectomy, especially when profound hearing loss is already present.
Question 7: A patient with cholesteatoma has lateral semicircular canal fistula. The most specific sign is:
- A. Head thrust test
- B. Fistula test (Correct Answer)
- C. Hennebert's sign
- D. Dix-Hallpike test
Explanation: ***Fistula test*** - The **fistula test** (Positive pressure test or Hennebert's test) directly assesses for a communication between the middle ear and the labyrinth by applying positive or negative pressure to the external auditory canal. - A positive result, indicated by **nystagmus** or **vertigo** induced by pressure changes, is the **most specific sign** for a **labyrinthine fistula** in the context of **cholesteatoma**. - The lateral semicircular canal is the most commonly affected site in cholesteatoma-related fistulae. *Hennebert's sign* - **Hennebert's sign** refers to **nystagmus** or **vertigo** induced by pressure changes in the external auditory canal **in the absence of an actual fistula**. - It represents a **false positive fistula test** and is classically associated with **congenital syphilis**, **Meniere's disease**, or other conditions causing increased labyrinthine membrane mobility. - In this case with a **confirmed fistula**, the positive pressure test would be called a **positive fistula test**, not Hennebert's sign. *Head thrust test* - The **head thrust test** evaluates the function of the **vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR)** and is used to detect **peripheral vestibular hypofunction**. - While cholesteatoma can affect vestibular function, this test is **not specific** for identifying a **labyrinthine fistula**. *Dix-Hallpike test* - The **Dix-Hallpike test** is used to diagnose **Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)** by identifying nystagmus and vertigo triggered by specific head positions. - This test detects **otoconia displacement** in the semicircular canals and is **not relevant** for identifying a **labyrinthine fistula**.
Question 8: Recruitment phenomenon is seen in:
- A. Otitis media with effusion
- B. Otosclerosis
- C. Acoustic nerve schwannoma
- D. Meniere's disease (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Meniere's disease*** - The recruitment phenomenon, characterized by an abnormal increase in the perception of loudness for a given increase in sound intensity, is a classic finding in **cochlear hearing loss**, often seen in conditions like **Meniere's disease**. - This occurs due to damage to the **outer hair cells** in the cochlea, which normally compress the dynamic range of hearing. *Otitis media with effusion* - This condition involves **conductive hearing loss** due to fluid in the middle ear, and typically does not cause the recruitment phenomenon. - The problem lies in sound transmission, not in the processing of loudness within the cochlea. *Otosclerosis* - This condition causes **conductive hearing loss** due to abnormal bone growth around the stapes footplate, impeding sound transmission to the inner ear. - While it affects hearing, it does not directly lead to altered loudness perception or recruitment, as the cochlea itself is often intact. *Acoustic nerve schwannoma* - This tumor affects the **vestibulocochlear nerve (CN VIII)**, causing **sensorineural hearing loss** that is typically retrocochlear (beyond the cochlea). - While it causes hearing loss, recruitment is usually absent or minimal, as the pathology is neural, not cochlear.
Question 9: A person presenting to the outpatient department with complaints of rotational vertigo and nausea in the morning, which worsens with changes in head position. What is your diagnosis?
- A. Labyrinthitis
- B. BPPV (Correct Answer)
- C. Vestibular neuronitis
- D. Meniere's disease
Explanation: ***BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo)*** - **Rotational vertigo** that is triggered by specific **head position changes** and often noticed upon waking or turning in bed is highly characteristic of BPPV. - The symptoms are typically brief, intense, and associated with **nausea**, resolving within seconds to minutes. *Labyrinthitis* - Labyrinthitis presents with **continuous vertigo** and often includes **hearing loss** and **tinnitus**, which are not mentioned in the patient's symptoms. - The vertigo in labyrinthitis is usually constant, not positional, and is caused by inflammation of the inner ear. *Vestibular neuronitis* - Vestibular neuronitis is characterized by **sudden, severe, and persistent vertigo** without hearing loss, often following a viral infection. - Unlike BPPV, the vertigo does not primarily worsen with specific head position changes but is more constant. *Meniere's disease* - Meniere's disease involves a classic triad of **recurrent episodes of vertigo**, **tinnitus**, and **fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss**, often accompanied by aural fullness. - The vertigo attacks are typically severe and last for hours, which is longer than the brief episodes seen in BPPV.
Question 10: A female patient presents with mild conductive hearing loss (CHL) and tinnitus. Based on the pure tone audiometry (PTA) shown in the image, what is the most likely diagnosis?
- A. Ménière's disease
- B. Otosclerosis (Correct Answer)
- C. Ototoxicity
- D. Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL)
Explanation: ***Otosclerosis*** - The audiogram shows a **conductive hearing loss** with a notable **Carhart notch** (bone conduction dip at 2000 Hz), which is characteristic of otosclerosis. - The patient's symptoms of **mild CHL** and **tinnitus** are consistent with the presentation of otosclerosis, a condition involving abnormal bone growth in the middle ear. *Ménière's disease* - This condition primarily causes **sensorineural hearing loss**, often fluctuating and affecting low frequencies initially, along with **vertigo, tinnitus, and aural fullness**. - The audiogram indicates **conductive hearing loss**, not sensorineural, and **vertigo** is not mentioned as a primary symptom. *Ototoxicity* - Ototoxicity typically results in **sensorineural hearing loss**, often bilateral and affecting high frequencies first. - The audiogram demonstrates **conductive hearing loss**, and there is no information about exposure to ototoxic medications. *Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL)* - NIHL is characterized by **sensorineural hearing loss**, typically with a **notch at 3000-6000 Hz** (most commonly 4000 Hz notch) on the audiogram. - The audiogram reflects **conductive hearing loss**, and the specific pattern does not match that of NIHL.
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