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Story originally printed in the La Crosse Tribune or online at www.lacrossetribune.com

Published - Tuesday, May 06, 2008

5 things you didn’t know about ... benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

This condition, also known as BPPV, is the most common form of vertigo. Although it’s rarely serious, the Mayo Clinic advises you see your doctor if you experience unexplained, recurrent or severe dizziness. Here, physical therapist Gloria Vassolo explains BPPV.

What it is: Have you ever rolled over in bed to kiss your spouse, turn off the alarm clock or toss the cat out and then suddenly felt as though the world was spinning out of control? Well, you may have experienced BPPV, a dizziness caused from debris that has collected in part of the inner ear. This debris, called ear rocks or otoconia, consists of small crystals of calcium carbonate. The ear rocks migrate into the canal system following a head injury, infection or other disorder of the inner ear. Advanced age is also a cause.

Symptoms: These include dizziness or vertigo, lightheadedness, imbalance and nausea. Acts that produce symptoms will vary, but symptoms generally appear by changing the position of your head. Women with BPPV may find that getting their hair shampooed at a beauty parlor brings on symptoms.

Diagnosis: A doctor may diagnose BPPV based on the patient’s history, a physical examination and the results of a vestibular and auditory test.

Treatment: Medication, repositioning procedures, exercises and surgery tend to be 90 percent to 95 percent effective.

Coping: Sleep with two or more pillows and avoid lying on the affected ear. In the morning, get out of bed slowly and sit on the edge of the bed for a minute. Also, try to avoid bending over.

Source: McClatchy Newspapers