Many of the ailments that plague older adults can be managed but not cured. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is a different story. It is a peripheral Vestibular disorder involving the inner ear that causes spells of vertigo typically lasting less than one minute, when the head is in certain head positions. Vertigo is defined as an illusion of movement or sense of spinning. In BPPV, vertigo is brief, lasting only a few seconds. The vertigo goes away in a few sec-onds to a minute if you don’t move your head. Vertigo occurs most commonly in the morning when you sit up or turn over in bed. BPPV can lead to chronic imbalance if not treated.
Vertigo can be terrifying and/or tormenting. Many symptoms can be attributed to the vestibular system, such as: Vertigo or spinning, motion triggered dizziness, feeling off-balance, lightheadedness. The most common form of Vertigo can be quickly treated with the Epley Maneuver. Surprisingly, many doctors remain unfamiliar with the maneuver.
Vestibular rehab is an exercise approach provided by a Certified Vestibular Physical Therapist for Inner Ear disorders and Balance disorders that affect people in their daily lives. Watch the video below to see the use of Epley Maneuver to treat BPPV Vertigo. When the vertigo comes back months or years later, as it tends to do, it can be vanquished again.
Check out this recent article on “An Easy fix for Vertigo” via New York Times Health.
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