Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) (/bɪˈnaɪn pærɒksɪzməl pəˈzɪʃənəl ˈvɜːrtɪɡoʊ/) is a disorder arising in the inner ear. Its symptoms are repeated episodes of positional vertigo, a spinning sensation caused by changes in the position of the head.
Etymology
The term "benign paroxysmal positional vertigo" is derived from the Latin benignus ("harmless"), paroxysmus ("fit, attack"), positio ("position"), and the Greek vertigo ("a whirling or spinning movement").
Symptoms
The primary symptom of BPPV is a feeling of dizziness or vertigo, which can range from mild to severe. Other symptoms may include balance problems, nausea, and a feeling of lightheadedness.
Causes
BPPV is caused by a problem in the inner ear. Tiny calcium "stones" clump up in the inner ear canals, causing brief episodes of mild to intense dizziness. BPPV is often associated with age, but can also result from a head injury or other disorders of the inner ear.
Diagnosis
BPPV is diagnosed primarily through a physical examination by a healthcare provider, often using the Dix-Hallpike test or the Roll test. These tests involve observing the eyes for a specific type of involuntary movement (nystagmus) that occurs in BPPV when the head is positioned in certain ways.
Treatment
Treatment for BPPV can often involve a series of movements performed in a doctor's office that are designed to move the calcium deposits out of the canal into an inner ear chamber so they can be absorbed by the body. This is often referred to as the Epley maneuver.
See also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
- Wikipedia's article - Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
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