There are a number of possible causes of your unexplained episodes of dizziness. One of the most perplexing is BPPV, a type of vertigo.
Below is a breakdown of the most common questions about BPPV.
What Does BPPV Stand For?
The BPPV acronym stands for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. The name can be broken down into its four components:
- Benign – while the symptoms may feel severe, the condition is not life threatening
- Paroxysmal – the symptoms appear periodically
- Positional – the symptoms are triggered by certain head movements
- Vertigo – this is the main symptom of the condition, which is a false sensation of movement
How Common is BPPV?
Approximately 1.6 percent of the population experiences BPPV, and about 20 percent of all dizziness seen in a medical office is due to this condition.
Most cases are reported in adults, usually senior citizens.
What Causes BPPV?
This condition occurs when tiny calcium crystals (canaliths) in the inner ear are displaced and move into the semicircular canals. These canals are responsible for telling your brain the position of your body. The presence of these calcium crystals provides your brain with false information, causing vertigo.
A sudden head movement can cause a spinning sensation.
What Are the Symptoms of BPPV?
The most common symptom of BPPV is severe episodes of vertigo that occur unexpectedly. The sensation of spinning often leads to nausea and vomiting.
Episodes can last for a few seconds to several minutes.
How Is BPPV Treated?
The most common and successful treatment for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is the use of the Epley maneuver.
What Is the Epley Maneuver?
This series of movements designed by Dr. John Epley helps return the calcium crystals to where they belong. Your doctor will perform the maneuver in the office and then teach you a simplified version for you to do at home.
You will start by sitting on your bed; make sure to have a pillow in place to be under your shoulders when you lie down.
- Turn your head 45 degrees to the right
- Quickly lie back, keeping your head turned
- Wait 30 seconds
- Turn your head 90 degrees to the left
- Wait 30 seconds
- Turn your head another 90 degrees to the left
- Wait 30 seconds
- Sit up
Repeat this procedure in reverse for your left ear. The whole process should take about five minutes.
To learn more about BPPV or to schedule an appointment, contact the balance experts at Victory Hearing & Balance Center.