What is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)?
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)is a specific type of dizziness or vertigo. It is a problem in the balance portion of one or both inner ears (the labyrinths).
The labyrinth is part of the coordinated system that maintains your balance. The labyrinth has three fluid filled semicircular canals. The semicircular canals detect motion and direction, and send that information to the brain.
Small pieces of the labyrinth, called canaliths, can break off and float into the semicircular canals. When they settle in the semicircular canals, a change in the position of the head stimulates the semicircular canals and can cause a spinning sensation.
The spinning usually lasts less than 30 seconds, but is often very strong. It can cause nausea and imbalance that may last for hours.
What are the various treatment options for BPPV?
Epley Maneuvers (EM) or Canalith repositioning. This procedure is a painless, low-risk treatment, which usually has an immediate, positive effect. It utilizes a series of gentle changes in the position of the head and body to move the canaliths to an area in the labyrinth where their presence will not upset the balance system. Think of a process similar to moving a marble through a maze.
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy. Certain exercises may be helpful for some people. The exercises can cause dizziness or nausea. Improvement takes place gradually over several weeks. Our clinic may use these exercises in conjunction with Epley Maneuvers for some patients.
Surgery. A semicircular canal in the problem ear can be plugged. Surgery is a treatment of last resort and should be used when all other methods have failed.
Do nothing and wait. The condition of BPPV may clear up without treatment after weeks, months or years.