Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) causes dizziness due to a slight dysfunction in the ears. It can be caused by head injuries and is most common in people over 55. Treatment can include exercises or surgery, but many people recover without intervention. It’s important to see a doctor to rule out other potential problems and be careful to avoid falls.
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) causes a feeling of vertigo due to a slight dysfunction in one or both ears. Small particles in the ears can detach themselves from where they are, and their movement creates the sensation that the body is moving when it isn’t. This can cause dizziness in spells which is especially noticeable when the body’s position changes, such as when turning, turning the head, or standing up, and which lasts about a minute with each spell. Often no cause is found for this condition, although head injuries can cause it, and it occurs most commonly in people over the age of 55. Treatments can be varied depending on the severity of the condition, and many people recover without much intervention, although surgery is occasionally recommended if symptoms last more than a year or are very severe.
Any type of head injury that causes dizziness or vertigo associated with high fever or suspected stroke may not be benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Sometimes conditions like brain tumor can also cause dizziness. If people have dizzy spells or spinning sensations, they need to see a doctor to rule out other potential problems. Two problems, especially for older adults who have the condition, are that vertigo episodes can increase their chance of falling and can cause vomiting. Vomiting can easily lead to dehydration if it occurs often.
When people see their doctors about a suspected case of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, doctors typically do various checkups to make sure that BPPV is the right diagnosis. In the absence of evidence of other causes of vertigo, this diagnosis is often the correct one because this condition is so common. Finding a slight movement in the eye, called nystagmus, in addition to patient-reported symptoms of dizziness, lightheadedness, or nausea, further helps doctors make a diagnosis.
If your benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is very mild, doctors may opt for little or no treatment. Typically, the condition is bothersome enough to require intervention. The most common intervention is a series of slow head position exercises that patients can learn to do at home. These are thought to help the particles in your ears reach a more stable position, and performing these exercises once a day can reduce vertigo episodes.
Some people are not helped by the exercises and continue to suffer from dizziness for a long time. If BPPV continues, doctors may recommend surgery to stabilize structures in the ear so that small particles can’t move freely. Surgery is usually a last resort treatment, but has a high success rate.
Most people with shorter periods of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo will get better without surgery, and exercises will reduce the number of dizziness. It is still important to be careful, especially when getting out of bed or when you turn your head quickly. Slow, deliberate movements can help reduce episodes of BPPV and help reduce the risk of injury from sudden falls.
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