What is BPPV?
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
Benign: not life threatening
Paroxysmal: Sudden
Positional: Triggered by certain head movement
Vertigo: a FALSE sense of rotational movement
what is bppv?
This is a mechanical problem in the inner, occurs when some of the calcuim carbonate crystals (otoconia) from the utricles become detached from their gel membrane.
Migrates to semi-circular canals (usually posterior) interfering with gravity causing intense vertigo.
management
usually dissolves in 14 days as crystals dissolve
exercise to move crystals out Dix Hallpike, brandaroff exercise,
can refer back to ENT for canal plug surgery which is usually rare
post eply instructions
How long does vertigo last?
usually 1 min
symptom:
- nsytagmus
- short spells of severe rotatory vertigo induced by specific head movement
- veering off to one side
- disorientation
- sensation of sickness and falling
Causes:
unknown,
head trauma,
wear and tear of vestibular systems
BPPV patients under 50 is usually caused by head trauma
Secondary to labrynthtits & Menderes disease, minor strokes of exterior and interior cerebellum artery.
how common?
- most common cause of vertigo
- 20% of all dizziness is due to vertigo
- 50% of dizziness in older people is due to BPPV
