Vol. 8, Issue 4 (2019)

Methods: In a small pilot study, 25 patients with clinical diagnosis of posterior canal BPPV were examined, treated and followed up at ENT department of Al salam teaching hospital, Mosul/Iraq. Serum 25(OH) D was measured at 1^st visit. During a follow up period the neuro otological assessment was repeated. In patients with insufficient serum level of 25(OH) D, vitamin D supplementation started. Follow up period was 10.5 months after which patients were kept on touch by telephone interview.

Result: This study was conducted on 25 patients with BPPV (18 females and 7 males). The average age was 46.5 years with a range of 32-61 years. 16 patients (64%) (group A) had their 1^st episode of BPPV. 9 patients (36%) (group B) had been having multiple episodes over several years. Average serum level of 25(OH) D in all patients (both groups) was 11.65 ng/ml 22 (88%) patients had low serum level of 25(OH) D (below 20ng/ml) and only 3patients (12%) were above 20 ng/ml. In patients with recurrent severe BPPV episodes (group B), average levels of serum 25(OH) D were significantly lower than that of group A. Vertigo attacks did not recur after supplementation with vitamin D.

Conclusion: We support the hypothesis that patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo who have low serum vitamin D levels may benefit from supplement and suggest further epidemiological studies to detect the effect of vitamin D deficiency on the development/ recurrence of vertigo. Many researchers recommend the assessment of S. vitamin D in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and supplementation if necessary.