Vertigo from Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
Vertigo vs. Dizziness
- Vertigo: The sensation that either oneself or the environment is spinning.
- Dizziness: A feeling of lightheadedness or unsteadiness, without the sensation of spinning.
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
BPPV is the most common cause of dizziness in patients with ear-related issues. Patients often experience sudden episodes of vertigo, which are triggered by certain head movements or positions. It can occur at any age but is more common in older adults and is found more frequently in women than men (2:1 ratio).
Symptoms of BPPV:
- Sudden episodes of vertigo, usually lasting less than 1 minute, though dizziness may persist afterward.
- Symptoms are often triggered by specific movements, such as getting out of bed or lying back to have hair washed.
- Hearing is usually normal unless there is a pre-existing hearing impairment.
- No other central nervous system abnormalities are present, such as limb weakness, facial drooping, or loss of consciousness.
Causes of BPPV:
- Most cases occur without a known cause.
- Potential contributing factors include head trauma, certain ear diseases, or ear surgery.
- Other factors suggested by research that may contribute include hypertension, diabetes, osteoporosis, vitamin D deficiency, and sleep apnea.
Treatment of BPPV:
- Some patients may recover without treatment.
- Physical therapy is the primary treatment, with approximately 80% of patients improving after the first session.
- There is no specific medication for BPPV, but doctors may prescribe temporary medications to alleviate dizziness.
Prognosis and Self-Care:
- Patients can usually resume normal activities after treatment.
- Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled about one month after treatment.
- There is a 15-20% chance of recurrence each year.
- Since the exact cause is unknown, there is currently no way to prevent BPPV.
Source by : Dr. VEERUT CHAYOPASAKUL (otolaryngology) , Golden Jubilee Medical Center
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