BPPV: What is this?

This is something I just learned about this week from mentioning to my dear friend, Cheryl Belcher. I told her how concerned I was about all the inexplainable falls my mother was experiencing.  Thanks to Cheryl, we may have this, hopefully, solved…with a 50/50 chance.

BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo) is an inner ear problem responsible for random short instances of vertigo when the head is moved swiftly to certain positions. Even though you may be motionless, you may feel like you are moving or that your surroundings are spinning around you. Beyond all this, however, make certain that if you experience any additional symptoms such as double-vision, difficulty speaking or moving, a change in alertness, go to the ER as these are stroke symptoms.

The cause or origin of BPPV is due to small calcium carbonate crystal formation in the inner ear (commonly called “inner ear rocks”). The crystals can break loose due to injuries sustained from an inner ear infection, fever, concussion, whiplash injury or even simply from the natural aging process.

Keep in mind that the regular medical “establishment” doesn't routinely seek out simple solutions for ailments but are highly encouraged by their corporate “bosses” to solve the problems via surgery or prescriptions, as opposed to adjustments or supplements. This is truly a shame since drugs can cause more problems than they correct and sometimes can even cause permanent damage before it is discovered. 

BPPV is diagnosed through a physical exam, specifically, the Dix-Hallpike Maneuver. This involves specific head and body movements to induce vertigo and to be able to observe eye movements. This test diagnoses the most common type which affects the posterior semicircular canal.

The test involves the patient lying on their back on the exam table with head turned 45 degrees to one side and slightly extended over the table edge. The examiner looks for rapid eye movements which occur in response to the head being moved. The manner in which the eyes move will disclose to the practitioner if BPPV is present and which ear is affected.

Around 85% of the sufferers will recover with specific neck maneuvers either from chiropractors or PT specialists. These practitioners know how to move the otolith crystals back into place. Researchers show that the repositioning maneuver works so the first effort 80-90% of the time. Soon after treatment you may feel dizzy, nauseated and even have more trouble with your balance than before, but this all should only last a few hours so be sure to not engage in anything active until the following day after treatment and follow instructions to a “T” from your professional.

Since we do not exactly know the source of the crystals, we haven’t a clue as to how to prevent BPPV, but, at least, the worst news is that you have to go have maneuvers performed every so often, but this is far better than surgery or expensive or harmful prescriptions.

Anyway, it is highly advisable to get checked for BPPV before you sustain a fall with potential serious injury—this is a good first line of defense. I am so hoping this is the case with Mom—it will be great news!

If any of you have a topic you would like to see researched and reported on, please email me: jmgad7580@gmail.com