Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is one of the most common disorders of the vestibular system (inner ear). It is a mechanical problem in the inner ear which causes distorted function of one or more of the small semicircular canals located in the inner ear. In this condition, dizziness is thought to be caused by small particles (calcium carbonate crystals) which have become displaced from another part of the vestibular system into one of the small semicircular canals.
This condition can be caused by head trauma or inner ear infection, but most commonly occurs spontaneously as a part of aging. With BPPV, people often report symptoms of vertigo (spinning sensations) when lying down, bending over, looking overhead, turning in bed, or getting out of bed. The vertigo is usually brief (less than one minute), but can be quite severe, resulting in nausea, disequilibrium and loss of balance. BPPV is very responsive to conservative treatment, and 80-90% of patients can experience complete resolution of symptoms within one to two treatment sessions. Some patients may need to perform a specific exercise for one to two weeks following the first few treatments if lingering symptoms persist.
For more information, please contact the St. Alexius Human Performance Center at 701-530-8100 or 1-800-222-7858.
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