Unless you鈥檙e spinning around on an amusement park ride, sudden dizzy spells can be deeply unsettling. This sudden illusion of motion, known as vertigo, affects millions of Americans every year, and it is especially common among older adults. If you鈥檙e experiencing sudden bouts of dizziness while lying down or rolling over, you may have a condition called
Despite the intimidating name, BPPV is rarely serious and can be treated quickly without surgery or medication.
鈥淲hen patients experience symptoms for the first time, it can be very alarming, making them wonder if they鈥檒l ever be able to function normally again,鈥 says Kristen Black-Bain, PT, DPT, a vestibular therapist at 麻豆学生精品版. 鈥淭his is not the case, and a vestibular specialist can take care of it rather quickly鈥攕ometimes after one session鈥攕o people can go on with their normal lives.鈥
Why Is the Room Spinning?
BPPV is the most common form of vertigo, an inner-ear condition that makes you feel like the world is spinning when it is not. As we age, calcium carbonate crystals within the inner ear can break down and become dislodged. While flowing freely within fluid-filled spaces of the ear canal, they send false signals to the brain. When the head moves, the brain鈥檚 equilibrium is thrown off-kilter, causing sudden yet brief (no more than a minute) sensations of spinning.
鈥淲hen you move your head in certain ways鈥攇etting out of bed, rolling onto your side, looking up and down at the computer screen, for instance鈥攜ou can cause these crystals to move and trigger sudden dizziness,鈥 Black-Bain says.
Although age is the major risk factor for BPPV, this condition can also be caused by a head injury. Cases among children and young adults are extremely rare.
Classic symptoms of BPPV include:
- Sensations of spinning or rocking
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Trouble with balance
Note: Get help immediately if you鈥檙e experiencing vertigo with (hearing loss, trouble speaking, numbness or tingling, etc.), which may signal a medical emergency.
What Happens in Treatment?
BPPV can be treated quickly and efficiently in physical therapy. During an assessment, a vestibular therapist will turn the patient鈥檚 head in different positions to trigger the dizziness and track the eye movements. This helps them determine which of the three ear canals the free-range crystals are floating in. Then, the therapist performs a repositioning procedure, which involves turning the patient鈥檚 head in multiple positions to help reposition the problematic crystals and return them to where they belong.
Following treatment, patients are advised to avoid frequent head movements for 24 hours. Afterward, they can resume their daily activities without any symptoms. Black-Bain encourages anyone who鈥檚 experiencing BPPV symptoms to get help right away because there鈥檚 no reason to prolong the suffering.
鈥淪ymptoms brought on by BPPV can cause a lot of suffering and stress,鈥 Black-Bain says. 鈥淒on鈥檛 wait and see if it goes away; book an appointment with a specialist who can help you feel better quickly.鈥
