Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) Treatment

By Dez Duran-Lamanilao

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is one of the most common types of vertigo related to the ears. The most known BPPV symptoms include dizziness, nausea, and lightheadedness. While BBPV may mainly be attributed to a rapid switch in head movement, most BPPV causes are still unknown. People who are showing BPPV symptoms should find ways in relieving or minimizing the debilitating effects of the illness.

BPPV occurs when calcium carbonate crystals (otoconia) accumulate in one of the ear canals, causing the inner ear to send wrong signals to the brain. This happens because the particles interfere with the regular fluid movement used to sense head motion. Thus, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is described as a false sensation of spinning.

Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists recommend various ways to get relief from the effects of BPPV. One of the methods they use is the Epley maneuver, which aims to move the particles out of the semicircular canals into a less sensitive part of the ear. The treatment involves head movements in specific positions while tilting it back a bit, following a unique sequence. Note that this BPPV treatment is not advisable for people with cervical neck or spine problems or severe vertigo. Your doctor should be able to make the right recommendations appropriate to your needs after proper diagnostic examinations.

The American Hearing Research Foundation outlines three other varieties of conservative treatment:

1. Semont Maneuver: Also known as the liberatory maneuver, this treatment involves rapidly moving a patient lying on one side to lie on another side.
2. Brandt-Daroff Exercises: When the Epley or Semont maneuvers fail, these exercises are the next option. There is a 95% success rate, but patients should be ready to perform three sets per day for two weeks.
3. Finally, if the BPPV symptoms have persisted for more than a year and none of the initial treatment alternatives worked, a surgical procedure may be in order. Posterior canal plugging is done to block most of the posterior canal’s function and is effective in around 90% of individuals.

When an individual is suffering from BPPV, certain aspects of one’s daily life may be affected. This is the result of coping up with the dizziness spells. The good news is that Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) treatment is possible with the help of experts from your trusted hearing clinic.