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Table 1. Definitions of Words Used in the Guideline
Vertigo An illusory sensation of motion of either the self or the
surroundings in the absence of true motion.
Nystagmus A rapid, involuntary, oscillatory movement of the eyeball.
Vestibular system/
apparatus
e sensory system within the inner ear that together with the
vestibular nerve and its connections in the brain provides the
fundamental input to the brain regarding balance and spatial
orientation.
Positional vertigo Vertigo produced by changes in the head position relative to
gravity
Benign paroxysmal
positional vertigo
(BPPV)
A disorder of the inner ear characterized by repeated episodes
of positional vertigo.
Posterior canal BPPV A form of BPPV in which dislodged inner ear particles in the
posterior semicircular canal abnormally influence the balance
system producing the vertigo, most commonly diagnosed with
the Dix-Hallpike test.
Lateral canal BPPV A form of BPPV in which dislodged inner ear particles in the
lateral semicircular canal abnormally influence the balance
system producing the vertigo, most commonly diagnosed by the
supine roll test.
Canalithiasis A theory for the pathogenesis of BPPV that proposes that there
are free-floating particles (otoconia) that have moved from the
utricle and collect near the cupula of the affected canal, causing
forces in the canal leading to abnormal stimulation of the
vestibular apparatus.
Cupulolithiasis A theory for the pathogenesis of BPPV that proposes that
otoconial debris attached to the cupula of the affected
semicircular canal cause abnormal stimulation of the vestibular
apparatus.
Canalith repositioning
procedures (CRP)
A group of procedures in which the patient moves through
specific body positions designed to relocate dislodged particles
within the inner ear for the purpose of relieving symptoms of
BPPV. e specific CRP chosen relates to the type of BPPV
diagnosed. ese have also been termed canalith repositioning
maneuvers or canalith repositioning techniques.
