- BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo) is a common cause of dizziness.
- In middle aged and older people 50% of dizziness is due to BPPV.
- In total population 20% of all dizziness is due to BPPV.
- Undiagnosed BPPV was found in 9% of a group of urban dwelling elders, in a recent study by Oghalai (Oghalai, J. S., et al., 2000).
- In BPPV dizziness is thought to be due to debris (cupulolithiasis) which has collected within a part of the inner ear (semicircular canal). This debris can be thought of as "ear rocks" although the formal name is "otoconia". Ear rocks are small crystals of calcium carbonate derived from a structure in the ear called the "utricle”. While the saccule also contains otoconia, they are not able to migrate into the canal system. The utricle may have been damaged by head injury, infection, or other disorder of the inner ear, or may have degenerated because of advanced age.
- Dr Robyn at Greensborough Family Chiropractic, Greensborough practices a simple technique called the Epleys manoeuvre which is known to help with this problem. For more information call GFC on 03 9432 4644.
How do I know if I have BPPV?
Symptoms of BPPV include dizziness or vertigo, light headedness, imbalance, and nausea. Activities which bring on symptoms will vary among persons, but symptoms are almost always precipitated by a change of position of the head with respect to gravity. Most commonly, getting out of bed or rolling over in bed are common aggravating factors that bring the dizziness on. As well as tilting your head back such as hanging the clothes on the line or painting the ceiling. Some women with BPPV may find that a visit to the hairdresser (having your hair washed over the bowl) may bring on symptoms. An intermittent pattern is common. BPPV may be present for a few weeks, then stop, and then come back again.
As there can be many other more serious causes of dizziness and/or vertigo, if you have these symptoms, other causes need to be checked for and excluded by your health care practitioner or chiropractor.
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
Diagram showing the problem of crystals in the semi circular canal with Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).
If you are suffering from Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) we will perform a treatment called the Epley manoeuvre, which is very successful for most people.(5,6). Additionally, Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (ref 7) may assist. The practitioner assessing you will look to see which treatment is appropriate for you.
To see if we may be able to help you, please call 03 9432 4644 or contact us online.
References.
(1) Grivna, M., H.O. Eid, and F.M. Abu-Zidan, Epidemiology, morbidity and mortality from fall-related injuries in the United Arab Emirates. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med, 2014. 22: p. 51.
(2) Bart, O., et al., Balance treatment ameliorates anxiety and increases self-esteem in children with comorbid anxiety and balance disorder. Research in Developmental Disabilities. 30(3): p. 486-495.
(3)Furman, J.M., M.S. Redfern, and R.G. Jacob, Vestibulo-ocular function in anxiety disorders. J Vestib Res, 2006. 16(4-5): p. 209-15.
(4)Balaban, C.D. and J.F. Thayer, Neurological bases for balance-anxiety links. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 2001. 15(1-2): p. 53-79.
(5) Hilton, M.P. and D.K. Pinder, The Epley (canalith repositioning) manoeuvre for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2014(12): p. CD003162.
(6)Helminski, J.O., et al., Effectiveness of Particle Repositioning Maneuvers in the Treatment of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo: A Systematic Review. Physical Therapy, 2010. 90(5): p. 663-678.
(7) McDonnell, M.N. and S.L. Hillier, Vestibular rehabilitation for unilateral peripheral vestibular dysfunction. Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2015. 1: p. CD005397.