A Comparative Literature Review of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo and Ménière’s Disease: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnostic Methods, and Treatment Options

Abstract

Vertigo can cause individuals to feel that the world is spinning despite them being still. Vertigo affects one in 15 adults in their lifetime (Columbia University, 2023). Among patients who are diagnosed with vertigo and are above the age of 60, 20% report extreme dizziness, which can cause them to have mobility issues (Holmes & Padgham, 2011). In particular, the prevalence of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) and Meniere's Disease (MD) is increasing, causing it to affect patients' quality of life, and, at present, BPPV and MD are on the rise and require increased attention and research. BPPV is when an otoconia crystal (calcium carbonate crystals) gets dislodged, causing vertigo and nausea, and can be managed using various approaches (Bhattacharyya et al., 2017).  Similarly, MD is a condition that may cause dizziness that is caused by a build-up of fluid in the ear (Rizk et al., 2022). In the 21st century, treatment options and diagnostic methods have significantly improved. BPPV and MD are, as of now, the most common vestibular disorders diagnosed in patients. BPPV is one of the most common disorders found in patients who experience vertigo (Bhattacharyya et al., 2017). MD is another frequent cause of vertigo, though not as common as BPPV. MD is a chronic inner ear disorder that can cause dizziness, hearing loss, and the feeling that your ears are full (Rizk et al., 2022). I will review the similarities and differences between BPPV and MD, focusing on their symptoms, causes, diagnostic methods, and treatment options.