[The etioiogy, pathophysiology and differential diagnosis of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo].

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common peripheral vestibular disorder. The confirmation of BPPV is easy and based on a set of positioning tests. The authors present the recent data concerning the-etiology, pathophysiology a:nd the most effective positioning tests for the posterior, horizontal and anterior semicircular canals. The differential diagnosis of BPPV from other diseases, manifesting with positional vertigo, is discussed as well.