Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo or BPPV is the most common form of peripheral vertigo, accounting for approximately 20%-30% of diagnosed vertigo cases. Marked by sudden, short bursts of spinning sensations, BBPV’s symptoms are generally considered mild. However, patients suffering from BBPV have a significantly increased risk of injury due to fall, making it crucial to understand the signs, symptoms, and potential treatment of this particular vertigo variation.
What Causes Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
A disturbance inside the inner ear triggers benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. The tubes inside our ears, also known as semicircular canals, contain a fluid that responds to body movement. As your head position changes, the semicircular canal fluid shifts, stimulating the small hairs lining the canals, which, in turn, message your brain to maintain balance.
Beyond ear fluid, there are other forces at work in your head that help stabilize you as you move. Otolith organs, which contain crystals that respond to the force of gravity, usually reside outside the semicircular canal. However, if these crystals become dislodged, they can get misdirected into the semicircular canal where they interact with our inner ear fluid, triggering an unwarranted response from the canal’s small hairs that wreaks havoc on our balance.
Common Causes And Symptoms Of This Common Form Of Vertigo
Several life events can ignite benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, including an automobile accident, fall, head injury, bacterial or viral infections, or even aging. These episodes can cause anatomical debris and crystals to deposit into the semicircular canal, activating a BBPV episode. These symptoms may include:
- Dizziness
- Spinning sensation
- Sick stomach
- Vomiting
- Loss of balance
Partnering With A Chiropractic Neurologist To Treat Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
At some point, most people will experience some or several signs of BPPV that quickly dissipate on their own. However, if you experience prolonged dizziness, room spinning, nausea and loss of balance, you should consult with your doctor to discuss the possibility of BBPV. You should also seek immediate medical attention if, in addition to mild vertigo, you also experience more serious symptoms such as double vision, fever, severe headaches, hearing loss, or weakness in your extremities.
A chiropractic neurologist can perform a thorough neurological exam to determine the severity of the vertigo. Understanding your specific case of BBPV can help your practitioner develop a personalized treatment plan to minimize your vertigo symptoms. Your chiropractic neurologist will create a care approach to reduce and even eliminate the risk of future vertigo episodes.