Use of Google Trends to evaluate for environmental variations in search terms for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

Objectives: Climate variables are implied in the pathogenesis of certain otologic diseases, including benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Using internet search data obtained through Google Trends (GT), we explored the relationship between climate patterns and symptom search frequencies for BPPV. We hypothesized that increased latitude, as a proxy for decreased sunlight exposure, would lead to increase in BPPV symptom searches.

Methods: GT searches for symptoms related to BPPV were obtained for five U.S. cities of different latitudes via the Google Trends online interface. Comparisons were made using SPSS via ANOVA analysis. Figures were made using Microsoft Excel.

Results: Searches for BPPV-related symptoms increased with increasing latitude. BPPV-related symptoms did show seasonal variations, but not in predictable manners.

Conclusions: GT may be a viable research tool when comparing geographical differences in searches, but may be less sensitive in detecting time dependent changes. We offer suggestions as to how big data tools may be altered for research purposes.

Level of evidence: NA.