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What Causes Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo?
Question: I have been diagnosed with BPVV.May i know the reason behind it?Is it something serious? Is it an indication of any serious health issue that might possibly occur in the future?
Brief Answer:
There is no cause for worry.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo) is the commonest type of peripheral vertigo. By the age of 60 years, at least one in three people will have experienced it and by the age of 80, the incidence is nearly 50%.
2. In BPPV, small calcium carbonate crystals normally present in the vestibule get dislodged from their normal position and enter the semicircular canals where they cause the vertigo on movement against gravity.
3. The exact reason is not known, but mild head injuries, vibration, off road driving, impact sports Vitamin D deficiency, keeping the head in an odd position for a long time, viral infections and so on are implicated.
4. BPPV is not serious, that is why it is called benign. Over time it settles down. It is also not associated with any future problem. Only falls due to the vertigo are to be avoided. With re-positioning maneuvers and exercises, it can be cured. Medication is only important in the first few days.
5. Get ab ENT consultation done. The Dix-Hallpike (Nylen-Barany) test is used to diagnose this condition. Brandt-Daroff exercises, Semont's Maneuver, Epley's Maneuver and the log roll maneuver help cure BPPV.
I hope that I have answered your queries. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
There is no cause for worry.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo) is the commonest type of peripheral vertigo. By the age of 60 years, at least one in three people will have experienced it and by the age of 80, the incidence is nearly 50%.
2. In BPPV, small calcium carbonate crystals normally present in the vestibule get dislodged from their normal position and enter the semicircular canals where they cause the vertigo on movement against gravity.
3. The exact reason is not known, but mild head injuries, vibration, off road driving, impact sports Vitamin D deficiency, keeping the head in an odd position for a long time, viral infections and so on are implicated.
4. BPPV is not serious, that is why it is called benign. Over time it settles down. It is also not associated with any future problem. Only falls due to the vertigo are to be avoided. With re-positioning maneuvers and exercises, it can be cured. Medication is only important in the first few days.
5. Get ab ENT consultation done. The Dix-Hallpike (Nylen-Barany) test is used to diagnose this condition. Brandt-Daroff exercises, Semont's Maneuver, Epley's Maneuver and the log roll maneuver help cure BPPV.
I hope that I have answered your queries. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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