Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo otherwise known as BPPV is a disorder characterized by dizziness. The feeling of spinning around is experienced which may be mild to intense. This is because the disorder involves the inner ear which is responsible for maintaining balance. When the individual changes the position of his head, positional vertigo is experienced. This disorder had caused Jonas Hiller, the Swiss hockey player to have those dizziness spells.
Signs and Symptoms include the following:
1. Rotational vertigo which is paroxysmal in nature
2. Nausea
3. Disturbances in vision which is associated with nystagmus
4. Vomiting
Causes
The cause of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is not known however it is believed that some conditions leading to it is caused by a blow in the head. Other causes include damage to the inner ear. Normally, the inner ear contains calcium crystals or otoconia responsible for the sensitivity to movement and gravity. When it is dislodged, it makes its way to one of the semicircular canals and maybe dislodged. When the head is repositioned, the fluid which is normally present in the middle ear travels to the semicircular canal however when it reaches the affected canal, the fluid is blocked causing displacement which may in turn leads to vertigo. The dizziness is triggered when the head is repositioned as evidence by tilting the head, looking up or down, sudden movement of the head, rolling over on bed, and presence of head injury.
Treatments
The good thing with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is that its signs and symptoms may disappear by itself in several weeks. However, if there is a need for treatment, it usually involves head exercises such as the Epley and Semont maneuvers to dislodge the occlusion in the semicircular canal. The Epley maneuver is done by manipulating the head to different angles tilting it towards the affected and unaffected side in a sitting position. The same holds true with Semont maneuver. These exercises are done with the assistance of the physician. In some positions, it is likely to experience mild vertigo since the dislodge crystals might be moving out of the semicircular canal provoking the attack. This is contraindicated for individuals who have cervical injury including back injuries.
To treat some signs and symptom of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo at home, it is advisable to elevate the head during sleeping having two pillows. Avoid sleeping with the affected side. When waking up, try to sit down first before standing and avoid picking your slippers or anything from the floor with head tilted far down to pick up. Always take precautions when in a reclining chair and when moving head from side to side.
The physician can establish the diagnosis by taking the history of the patient. The sufferer usually reports past experiences of vertigo as triggered by fast movement of the head. Roll tests are also performed in a supine position in which the head of the patient is rotated from one position to another that may positively cause vertigo and nsytagmus.
If you believed you suffer from this disorder, it would be best to consult your physician for early intervention. Prolonging the treatment proves disadvantageous since the condition might get worst.
This website is here to help people who suffer from benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.
