A case of cerebellar infarction in the posterior inferior cerebellar artery that had been treated as BPPV

Abstract

When examining patients with vertigo, it is essential to differentiate between central and peripheral lesions. It has been reported that some infarctions associated with the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) can mimic peripheral vertigo, such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). We report on a case that had been treated as BPPV at another institution and eventually turned out to be cerebellar infarction in the PICA legion. Two infarction lesions were observed in the cerebellum. Obstruction of the left vertebral artery was found on MRA. Six months from the first consultation, the BPPV decreased. We should be aware of cases of cerebellar infarction in which nystagmus mimics BPPV.