What is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)?

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What is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)?​

1 Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common of the inner ear disorders. 2 BPPV can affect people of all ages but is most common in people over the age of 60. 3 Most patients can be effectively treated with physical therapy. In rare cases, the symptoms can last for years.

How does BPPV cause vertigo and jumping eyes?​

The otoconia move to the lowest part of the canal, which causes the fluid to flow within the SCC, stimulating the balance (eighth cranial) nerve and causing vertigo and jumping eyes (nystagmus). People with BPPV can experience a spinning sensation — vertigo — any time there is a change in the position of the head.
What should I do if I experience dizziness associated with BPPV?
If you experience dizziness associated with BPPV, consider these tips: Be aware of the possibility of losing your balance, which can lead to falling and serious injury. Avoid movements, such as looking up, that bring on the symptoms. Sit down immediately when you feel dizzy.
What are the symptoms of BPPV?
BPPV is typically unilateral, meaning it occurs either in the right or left ear, although in some cases it is bilateral, meaning both ears are affected. In addition to vertigo, symptoms of BPPV include dizziness (light- headedness), imbalance, difficulty concentrating, and nausea.

How do you get rid of paroxysmal positional vertigo?​

Treatment. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo may go away on its own within a few weeks or months. But, to help relieve BPPV sooner, your doctor, audiologist or physical therapist may treat you with a series of movements known as the canalith repositioning procedure.

How dangerous is BPPV in older people?​

However, the symptoms of BPPV can be very frightening and may be dangerous, especially in older people. About half of all people over age 65 suffer an episode of BPPV. The unsteadiness caused by BPPV can lead to falls, which are a leading cause of fractures in this age range.