ABSTRACT

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of vitamin D and calcium levels on the incidence and recurrence of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).

Sixty-four patients diagnosed with BPPV and 63 healthy volunteers who were age–sex matched and admitted to emergency department (ED) between October 1, 2014 and December 31, 2014 were included. Vitamin D and total calcium levels of blood samples collected from both groups upon admission were analyzed.

The mean vitamin D level in the patient and control groups was 9.51±5.49 ng/mL and 11.02±9.62 ng/mL, respectively. The mean total calcium level in the patient and control groups was 9.5±0.63 mg/dL and 9.41±0.49 mg/dL, respectively. A significant difference was not detected between groups in terms of both parameters (p=0.992; p=0.345, respectively). The mean vitamin D level in patients with a first episode was 9.91±5.81 ng/mL and in those who had similar symptoms earlier was 8.81±4.90 ng/mL. The difference between groups was not significant (p=0.629).

There are studies showing low levels of vitamin D as a risk factor for incidence and recurrence of BPPV. However, in this study, no relationship was found between vitamin D and total calcium levels and BPPV incidence and recurrence. This result can be due to high frequency of vitamin D deficiency in the Turkish society. We also believe that because the study was conducted in winter, related to seasonal variability of vitamin D levels, the levels were even lower. However, for conclusive results, more comprehensive studies including year-round examinations are needed.

Keywords: Vitamin D, calcium, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo