Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
What is BPPV?
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is one of the most common causes of vertigo. BPPV occurs when tiny calcium carbonate crystals (called otoconia) in the inner ear become dislodged and move into the semicircular canals, which are responsible for detecting motion and maintaining balance. These misplaced crystals interfere with your vestibular system, causing episodes of dizziness triggered by specific head movements.
Symptoms of BPPV
Sudden episodes of dizziness or vertigo when you tilt your head, roll over in bed, or look up.
Nausea or vomiting associated with vertigo.
A sensation of imbalance or unsteadiness.
Difficulty focusing or feeling disoriented.
Perception of your eyes jumping uncontrollably (nystagmus).
Common Triggers of BPPV SYmptoms
BPPV symptoms are often triggered by specific movements, such as:
Rolling over in bed or lying down.
Looking up, such as while reaching for something on a high shelf.
Quick head movements or bending over.
Causes of BPPV
Often it can be difficult to find a specific cause of BPPV, but some known causes do exist.
BPPV can result from:
Head Injury: Trauma from hitting your head or experiencing a concussion can dislodge the crystals in your inner ear.
Car Accidents: Whiplash or sudden impact can dislodge the crystals in the inner ear system, leading to BPPV symptoms.
Aging: Natural degeneration of the inner ear structures can make older adults more prone to BPPV.
Inner Ear Infections: Conditions like labyrinthitis or vestibular neuritis can contribute to crystal displacement and BPPV symptom development.
Extended time laying backwards: Situations like laying backwards in a dentist chair can cause crystals to move into the canals of the vestibular system resulting in BPPV.
How is BPPV Diagnosed?
At Clarity Brain and Body Clinic, we use a combination of detailed health history and specialized tests to diagnose BPPV, including:
Vestibular Oculography: Infrared camera goggles allow for visualization and recording of eye movements in the dark during specific BPPV diagnostic maneuvers.
Dix-Hallpike Test: A positional test that helps identify abnormal eye movements (nystagmus) associated with BPPV.
Vestibular Function Tests: Comprehensive evaluations of your inner ear and balance system.
Oculomotor Assessments: To ensure that eye movements are working correctly with the vestibular system.
Functional Neurology’s Role in BPPV Treatment
Our approach at Clarity Brain and Body Clinic focuses on treating the root cause of your BPPV symptoms. Functional neurology is a personalized, non-invasive approach that leverages the brain’s ability to adapt and restore balance.
BPPV Treatment
At Clarity Brain and Body Clinic, we offer effective and tailored treatments for BPPV, including:
Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers
Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy
Oculomotor Training
Postural and Balance Training
Stress Management and Biofeedback
Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers
The Epley Maneuver is a well-known technique for treating BPPV, but it is only one of many maneuvers we may use at Clarity Brain and Body Clinic. Other techniques and exercises may be more appropriate depending on the type and location of your BPPV. While the Epley Maneuver is highly effective for some, it may not resolve symptoms for all patients.
If you’ve had the Epley Maneuver performed before and still experience symptoms, our clinic offers advanced diagnostic tools and tailored care to address unresolved issues and provide lasting relief.
Why Choose Clarity Brain and Body Clinic?
At Clarity Brain and Body Clinic, we understand how debilitating BPPV can be. We are dedicated to providing compassionate, individualized care to help you regain your balance and confidence. Using cutting-edge functional neurology techniques, we aim to restore your quality of life by addressing not just the symptoms but the underlying causes of your vertigo.
Take Control of Your Balance
Don’t let BPPV disrupt your life. At Clarity Brain and Body Clinic, we’re here to help you find relief and prevent future episodes of vertigo. Schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward lasting balance and stability.