Positional vertigo ( BPPV) , patient presents with vertigo lasting seconds, with or without nausea and imbalance on lying down, sitting up from lying down position, rolling in the bed, extending(looking up) or flexing (looking down)the neck. It can happen several times a day.
It is due to migration of calcium carbonate crystals from organ of balance to another, resulting in stimulation of certain structures followed by vertigo and nystagmus( eyeball movement)
Can occur in advanced age as idiopathic (without any cause ) or due to other associated conditions. After excluding other causes of vertigo, diagnosis of BPPV is made.
Detailed history and position test done to find out which organ and side is involved. Corrective procedure (which varies according to the canal involved and presence of neck problems) can be done to put the crystals back to where it came from.
Medicines are used to suppress the symptoms.
This post is dedicated to my 69 year old( I should say young) patient who had severe vertigo and been taking medicine for some time. Initially she was very apprehensive, when I explained to her about position test and canal lith reposition procedure. After reassurance corrective procedure was done, and she started doing that at home. Now she is feeling better . This procedure can be done easily in the OPD itself.
Thank you for posting
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