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Positional Vertigo Cures

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is a condition that causes the patient to feel like they are moving when they are not. It is caused by the displacement of small crystals in the inner ear called otoconia. For various reasons, the otoconia break off and move around in the inner ear activating a sense of dizziness in the patient. Most treatments for positional vertigo are in the form of physical therapy, and the condition is very treatable.

  1. Causes of BPPV

    • There are many reasons for the displacement of the inner ear crystals. The most common reason for positional vertigo is a head injury, and is often caused by a car accident or other trauma to the head. The condition is common among older people due to normal degeneration. Other causes include a viral infection or certain medications, but these causes are far less common. The main symptom is dizziness, but the feeling of dizziness also produces nausea and anxiety.

    Epley Maneuver

    • The technical term for this treatment is Canalith Repositioning maneuver and is the preferred treatment option for most physicians. It involves moving the head into four different positions in a repetitive motion. Each position is held for approximately 30 seconds. The success rate of the Epley Maneuver is 70-90 percent when used consistently.

    Semont Maneuver

    • The Semont Maneuver is similar to the Epley Maneuver with slight modifications. It is often used in conjunction with the Epley. It is generally the treatment of choice in European countries, but the United States does not favor it. The maneuver is performed by turning the head of the patient at various angles for certain lengths of time. As with the Epley, the repositioning repositions the crystals in the ear canal.

    Brandt-Daroff Exercises

    • A lesser used form of treatment are Brandt-Daroff exercises. This type of treatment is often used when the side of the positional vertigo is not readily apparent. The exercises are repeated 10 to 20 times twice a day. The exercises are performed by leaning to the side repeatedly, which creates the dizzy sensation. The patient stays in the position until the dizziness subsides. The success rate is as high as 90 percent and can be successful within a few days.

    Other Treatments

    • Other treatments for positional vertigo may be explored when the above physical therapy methods are not successful. Surgery is used as a last resort and has a moderate success rate. Some doctors treat the symptoms of vertigo with medication such as AntiVert or small doses of Valium. Medications only treat the symptoms; they do not cure the condition. It is also a good idea to offer some patients a walking cane for use during severe episodes to safeguard against injury.

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