Inner Ear Disorder Can Easily Be Treated

BPPV can easily be treated.

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is the most common type of dizziness, and happily, the most easily treated. In many patients, it can be cured with a simple series of movements.

BPPV occurs when tiny crystals called otoconia become loosened from their normal location in the inner ear.   They are then free to flow in the semicircular canals, the part of the inner ear that senses movement of the head.

Patients with BPPV may experience dizziness or spinning when they turn over in bed, get in or out of bed, look up to a high shelf or put their head back in the shower. They may become unsteady when they arise. They may even experience nausea and other motion sickness like symptoms.

The onset of BPPV may be abrupt and scary. The usual course of the illness is a gradual improvement over weeks to months.  However, if properly diagnosed and treated, we often facilitate your recovery.

If you are having dizziness when you change position, ask your physician if a VNG is an appropriate part of your assessment.

If the VNG test indicates you have BPPV, an audiologist will guide you through a simple series of movements to return the loose crystals where they belong. The patient follows directions on simple movements, seated, and lying down, and then in a seated position once again. The activity is quick, painless and easy.

Not all patients with dizziness have BPPV. If you are having problems with dizziness, vertigo or balance, ask your physician if a VNG (videonystagmography) may be part of your dizziness workup. VNG is considered the "gold standard" test of inner ear balance function, and if you have BPPV, there's a good chance that a licensed audiologist can help you.