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Vertigo/Particle
Repositioning Program
What is Benign paryoxysmal
positional vertigo, or BPPV?
BPPV, commonly known as "vertigo," is a condition of the inner ear
that causes feelings of dizziness, spinning, light-headedness, or nausea. Normally,
particles contained in the inner ear are embedded in a membrane at the base
of a structure called the semicircular canals. When these particles are loose
and floating in the semicircular canals, the inner ear gives the individual
a false perception of directional movement. Symptoms of vertigo and dizziness
may come and go as the particles settle and are then disturbed again. These
particles can also get lodged between the hair cells that line the semicircular
canals, causing intermittent vertigo as they are knocked loose.
Which movements trigger the vertigo sensation?
Activities that bring on the symptoms vary with each person. Some common times
that people feel vertigo are when:
- First lying down or getting
up
- Rolling over
- Turning the head quickly
- Looking up or down
What causes BPPV?
In most cases, the cause of vertigo is unknown. Some events that cause the particles
to jar loose are:
- A head injury
- A quick turn of the head
with sudden force, as in a car accident
- Degeneration of the inner
ear secondary to advanced age or infection
How is BPPV treated?
A physician can prescribe medication to control motion sickness and nausea.
Though these drugs can effectively control the symptoms of vertigo, they do
not cure the problem of loose particles in the semi-circular canals. A combination
of both medication and physical therapy is essential for comprehensive vestibular
rehabilitation.
How can physical therapy help?
A physical therapist specifically trained in vestibular rehabilitation performs
the evaluation and treatment. A non-invasive, manual technique involving body
positioning is used to return the inner ear particles to the appropriate place
at the base of the semicircular canals. Once the particles are repositioned,
the symptoms of vertigo subside. The first physical therapy session is typically
30-60 minutes in length. Patients usually need to return for 2-3 additional
treatments to ensure that symptoms do not return.
A physician's referral is required for evaluation and treatment.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 314-881-4220.
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