Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Practice Exam

Which symptom is not characteristic of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)?

1. Dizziness

2. Presyncope

3. Nausea

4. Seizure

The correct answer is: Seizure

The symptom that is not characteristic of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is seizure. BPPV is primarily associated with symptoms of dizziness, which occurs as a result of changes in head position and is often described as a spinning sensation. Presyncope, or a near-fainting sensation, can also occur in some patients experiencing dizziness, especially if there is an associated anxiety response or other underlying conditions. Nausea is another common symptom due to the vestibular system's impact on balance, which can lead to a feeling of sickness in conjunction with the vertiginous episodes. Seizures, on the other hand, are neurologic events characterized by abnormal electrical activity in the brain and are not linked to the vestibular system in the same way as the other symptoms. BPPV can be cause-specific related to canalithiasis, where dislodged crystals in the inner ear lead to transient episodes of vertigo, but this condition does not induce seizures. Therefore, when evaluating the symptoms associated with BPPV, seizure is clearly outside the typical symptom profile.