Benign Paraoxysmal Positioning Vertigo (BPPV)
BPPV is one of the most common types of vertigo and is the most common cause of vertigo in the older individual. By the age of 70, about 30% of all older patients can have experienced BPPV once. If you have BPPV, you often describe short attacks of vertigo. And also feeling nauseous and some postural imbalance.
You will also find that you are especially prone to these attacks after certain movements:
- getting up from lying down (especially in the mornings on waking),
- when first lying down in bed,
- turning in bed,
- looking down to the ground or up to the ceiling.
An understanding of the inner ear is important to understanding Benign Paraoxysmal Positioning Vertigo
Why does it happen?
Basically it is a problem with the mechanics of your inner ear.
In the inner ear you have three tiny tubes which lie in the X, Y and Z planes, they are filled with fluid and are very sensitive to change of position. They constantly send feedback to your brain about your position in space.
BPPV develops when tiny rock-like pieces of calcium crystals that are normally in another area of the ear break free and find their way to the tubes in your inner ear. Your brain then receives confusing messages about your body’s position. Then you experience the unpleasant symptoms of BPPV.
How is it treated?
The treatment for BPPV is called Epley’s Re-positioning Maneuver.
Again, another mouth-full … but it is actually very simple and once the aftercare is followed can have great results.
The maneuver attempts to re-position the floating “rocks” into an area of the inner ear tubes that is not so sensitive. Following the treatment home advice is given which is vital for complete recovery. Usually one attempt at Epley’s Re-positioning Maneuver is successful but sometimes it may have to be repeated. I have treated patients with this maneuver with great success.
Dizziness is a common complaint. There are so many conditions that either cause dizziness or have it as a symptom. It is a word that is often used to describe two different feelings. It is important to know exactly what you mean when you say “I feel dizzy,” this helps narrow down the list of possible causes.
However for some of these conditions as discussed above or for an concern with dizziness a trip to Natural Back Health (NBH) could be of great benefit! If you have any further questions regarding this topic please do not hesitate to contact the clinic here.
Read more about what to expect from my treatments
Hopefully you find the general information in this blog informative and helpful, however it is not intended to replace medical advice and should not be used as such.