This is an extremely distressing condition that causes short spells of intense dizziness when you move into certain positions (particularly looking up, down and rolling over in bed) There are various types of BPPV and upon your initial assessment you will be given both a diagnosis and treatment. Most patients will be symptom free after just one session and you will attend a follow up appointment one week later to ensure that the condition has been abolished.

 

BPPV is caused  by tiny debris fragments (crystals) that collect within the inner ear canals. The canals are responsible for sending information to the brain regarding head movement and position.  Once the head has reached a certain position, the canal should stop sending messages about movement. However, gravity then causes the debris to fall to the lowest part of the canal in its new position (rather like an old fashioned egg timer) and this sends false messages to the brain, suggesting that you are still moving when in fact you are not. This results in a sense of intense dizziness until such times as the crystals settle at the lowest part of the canal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To put your mind at rest, BENIGN means that this is a non-cancerous condition without serous cause. PAROXYSMAL refers to sudden recurring episodes of your signs and symptoms. POSITIONAL means that the signs and symptoms are triggered by certain head positions and finally, VERTIGO refers to unsteadiness and dizziness with an intense sense of spinning.

 

Often BPPV sufferers are advised to consult the internet for self-help cures. This is STRONGLY unadvisable and treatment should be undertaken by a qualified Vestibular Practitioner.

 

Vertigo may result in sensations of nausea and rarely vomiting. If you recognise the above signs and symptoms, you may self-refer to the Clinic or obtain a referral from your GP.