Negative association between treated osteoporosis and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo in women

Objective: To determine the degree of association, if any, between benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and osteoporosis, both of which are disorders of impaired calcium carbonate homeostasis. Methods: A retrospective chart review was undertaken in two otology clinics to assess the prevalence of treated osteoporosis in 260 women with and without benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, between the ages of 51 and 80 years. Results: There was a statistically significant, negative association between benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and treated osteoporosis in women aged 51 to 60 years. We also observed a trend towards a negative association for women in their 60s, and for the group as a whole. Conclusion: Osteoporosis, or the medication used to treat it, may provide protection against benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.