Are you suffering from dizziness, vertigo or imbalance? BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo) is the most common cause of vertigo in adults. BPPV is characterized by brief episodes of a spinning sensation when the head is moved into certain positions. Lying down, rolling over, looking up or bending over can provoke spinning. This may occur with normal activities such as: washing hair, getting in and out of bed, lying back in the dentist or hairdresser chair.In addition, you may experience nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, or a feeling of floating.Symptoms can vary from mild to very debilitating. In more severe cases you may be unable to drive or go to work. It is commonly seen with advanced age or after trauma such as a car accident or hitting the head. This commonly can make you feel unsteady or fall.
The cause of BPPV is the displacement of calcium carbonate crystals in the inner ear. When these crystals move into the semicircular canals, they stimulate cells which transmit information to the brain, making you feel like you are moving (see the diagram below).
The test for BPPV, the Dix-hallpike maneuver is very simple and quick. It involves turning your head to one side lying back with your head extended. If crystals are present on that side, symptoms will be provoked.
After the symptoms settle (usually within one minute) a therapist can proceed with the treatment called the Epley maneuver (see diagram below). It involves a series of movements each followed by a 30 second pause, to allow gravity to move the crystals out of semicircular canal and back into their proper place. The entire process takes just minutes, it is non-invasive, safe and effective with one treatment in over 90% of cases! It is important to treat quickly to avoid disruption of your normal activities. If this is left untreated it could lead to falls and immobility.
