Dizzy? Lightheaded? Head over to your Chiropractor!

Are you dizzy or lightheaded? You might have:
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
and should consider the Epleys Maneuver

By Dr. Lanpher D.C., D.A.B.C.O

 

Definition

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is a non-life-threatening sudden onset dizziness due to certain changes in head position. It is the most common cause of vertigo in adults.

Symptoms

The classic symptom is vertigo or dizziness that occurs shortly after a change of position, such as getting out of bed in the morning, rolling over in bed, bending over, or looking up. The dizziness usually lasts for a minute or so, but balance problems may persist for hours or days after the episode. It often occurs spontaneously, but may follow head injury, ear infection or upper respiratory infection.

Causes

BPPV is thought to be causes by microscopic crystals, or otoconia, accumulating in the semicircular canals of the inner ear. When these become displaced they can stimulate part of the inner ear that is sensitive to rotational movement of the head. When this happens, the person may develop a sense of spinning.  

Treatment

Once diagnosed with BPPV, you will be taken through a specific maneuver that will require changes in body positioning. This is to reposition the microscopic crystals in your inner ear and thus alleviate the dizziness. This procedure is highly effective in treating BPPV. Research has shown that this type of treatment is effective 80% of the time.

If you do not have resolution of your symptoms after the in-office maneuver, you may need to return to the office for another procedure. Patients who do not respond to the first treatment and undergo a second have an overall success rate of greater than 90%. You may also be given instructions for exercises that can be done at home to help alleviate any residual dizziness.

Dealing with BPPV

The most important thing to do if you have BPPV is to STAY ACTIVE! If you avoid moving into certain positions because it makes you dizzy, you will prolong the symptoms. Staying active will actually help to resolve the dizziness

Canalith Repositioning Treatment

Instructions following the procedure:

For 48 hours after undergoing CRT, you should keep your head and neck moving as one unit. You should sleep in a semi-recumbent position for 2 nights. This can be accomplished by sleeping in a recliner or by putting several pillows behind you in bed or on a sofa. Then you may return to lying down, but do not sleep on the side that was treated for the next 5 nights.

For at least 1 week, avoid provoking head positions that might bring BPPV on again. Try to stay as upright as possible.

After 1 week you may go back to your normal routine.

If you continue having dizziness after returning to your regular routine, contact Lanpher Chiropractic Clinic at 605-334-8073 to schedule a follow-up appointment.