Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
If you feel like the room is spinning while you aren’t moving, there’s a high likelihood that you’re experiencing benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, or BPPV. This condition occurs when calcium deposits in the inner ear become dislodged. At All Generations Audiology, PLLC, we can determine if BPPV is causing your symptoms and provide you with the best treatment for it.
What Causes BPPV?
Parts of the inner ear, like the semicircular canals, facilitate balance. They contain small sensors that monitor the head’s rotations.
The otolith organs, another structure in the inner ear, monitor the head’s position to gravity. Small crystals in the otolith organs help achieve this. When these crystals become dislodged, the semicircular canals respond to head movements they would not normally notice. This is why you experience vertigo, or dizziness.
The crystals can become dislodged by:
- A blow to the head
- Disorders of the inner ear
What Are the Symptoms of BPPV?
- Vertigo, or the sensation that the room is spinning around you
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Blurred vision
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Difficulties concentrating
How Is BPPV Treated?
There are specific maneuvers our providers can perform that cause the calcium crystals to float out of the semicircular canal. In many cases, this alleviates symptoms of BPPV.
Repositioning maneuvers include:
- Canalith Repositioning Procedure (CRP) or Epley maneuver
- Semont-Liberatory maneuver
- Half somersault maneuver or Foster maneuver
After your BPPV diagnosis, your physician or balance specialist will work with you to develop a treatment plan. The repositioning maneuvers that your physician recommends will depend on your individual case of BPPV. Your doctor will give you clear instructions to help you learn and understand your repositioning maneuver techniques.
Call All Generations Audiology for more information or to schedule an appointment.