Benign paraxysmal position vertigo – BPPV
The vestibular system is located in the inner ear. It is made up of three canals (posterior, anterior, and horizontal) and two organs (utricle and saccule). These organs contain small calcium crystals called otoconia
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common type of vertigo. It occurs when the otoconia escape from the organs of the vestibular system and are in motion in one of the semicircular canals.
The symptoms to observe
Symptoms include:
- Brief, but intense vertigo (30 seconds or so)
- Vertigo as a result of a head movement (turning while in bed, leaning over, reaching up to get something, etc.)
- Possible nausea and vomiting
- Loss of balance
What to do, who to consult
If you have these symptoms, you can consult an ENT specialist, an audiologist or a physiotherapist with training in vestibular rehabilitation.
Otolith repositioning maneuvers can be performed and exercises taught to relieve your symptoms.
If you have any questions about your hearing or that of a loved one, our hearing health professionals will be happy to answer them.
BY Virginie Hébert, Audiologist, Polyclinique de l’Oreille