BPPV – Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

When I wake up in the morning and get out of bed, I often experience the world around me starting to spin. Even when I’m just lying on the grass, sometimes I feel like the space darkens. The question arises whether this is normal, especially at fifty years of age? Dizziness complicates the lives of many people, and although in most cases it does not indicate a serious illness, it can still significantly impact daily activities, especially when it occurs during work or driving.

The causes of dizziness encompass a wide range of factors, and various conditions can be behind it. These include fluctuations in blood pressure and blood sugar levels, but the most common triggers are problems with the balance organ and the cervical spine. For people around the age of fifty, changes in the cervical spine, such as narrowing of the arteries between the vertebrae, can be common causes of dizziness. This type of dizziness may change with neck movement and can sometimes be attributed to ear or psychological reasons.

The causes of dizziness

Dizziness can be traced back to several causes and does not always signify a serious health issue. One of the most common types is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, or BPPV. This phenomenon occurs when movement of the patient’s head causes dizziness, particularly when lying down, getting up, or rolling around in bed. These episodes typically last only a few minutes and characteristically create a spinning sensation.

The balance organ located in the inner ear is responsible for the body’s equilibrium. This organ contains three semicircular canals, where the movement of fluid helps detect the position of the body. If this fluid thickens, the calcium crystals, which normally distribute evenly, can become clumps. These clumps can irritate the sensory cells, sending incorrect information to the brain, which causes the sensation of dizziness. The confusion between the brain and the eyes leads the person to feel as if their surroundings are moving when they are not.

Treatment and prevention of BPPV

A specialist diagnoses BPPV with a simple provoking test. If this condition is indeed the cause of the dizziness, the patient is taught a series of exercises that can help move the deposited calcium crystals. This sequence of movements is often referred to as the “Epley maneuver,” and its aim is to reposition the crystals correctly, thus eliminating the sensation of dizziness.

These exercises can be effective not only for treating BPPV but also for preventing dizziness. It is important for the patient to consult their doctor, who can help uncover the cause of the dizziness and, if necessary, refer them to an otoneurologist or rheumatologist. With the right diagnosis and treatment, many cases can minimize the complaints associated with dizziness, allowing patients to regain their quality of life and safely carry out their activities.