Self-limiting benign paroxysmal positional vertigo following use of whole-body vibration training plate

• Published in: Journal of laryngology and otology 2010-07, Vol.124 (7), p.796-798
• Main Authors: Amir, I, Young, E, Belloso, A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Ear, auditive nerve, cochleovestibular tract, facial nerve: diseases, semeiology; Ear, Inner - physiopathology; Female; Humans; Inner Ear; Medical sciences; Nervous system (semeiology, syndromes); Nervous system as a whole; Neurology; Non tumoral diseases; Otorhinolaryngology. Stomatology; Positional Vertigo; Posture; Sports Equipment - adverse effects; Vertigo; Vertigo - etiology; Vertigo - physiopathology; Vibration; Vibration - adverse effects
• ISSN: 0022-2151; 1748-5460
• DOI: 10.1017/S0022215109992441

We describe a case of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo which occurred after use of a whole-body vibration training plate. Case report and literature review concerning the secondary causes of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and the physiological effects of whole-body vibration training plates. A 44-year-old woman was referred with classic symptoms of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo following use of a whole-body vibration training plate, a popular form of fitness equipment widely used in sports, rehabilitation and beauty treatments. The condition resolved spontaneously after several days. There have been reports of negative side effects in users of this equipment, such as dizziness, headache and a sensation of imbalance; however, there have been no reported cases involving vertigo. Based on a literature review, this equipment may cause side effects, including vertigo, by generating forces that can increase the original amplitude of internal organs, which may potentially cause labyrinthine trauma or dislocation of otoconia, leading to benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. We suggest that whole-body vibration training plates may potentially induce benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Manufacturers may need to make users of this equipment aware of this risk, and remind them to use it with caution.