Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is the most common vestibular disorder that affects the inner ear, causing episodes of dizziness and loss of balance.
These symptoms can significantly impact an individual’s daily life, making simple tasks such as walking or driving difficult and even dangerous. Seeking treatment for Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is important to relieve these symptoms and regain a normal quality of life.
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo can significantly impact an individual’s balance and daily activities. Sudden attacks of dizziness can make it difficult to perform routine tasks such as getting out of bed or walking without assistance.
The fear of falling due to vertigo can cause people with Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo to limit physical activities or avoid certain situations altogether. This limited mobility can lead to muscle weakness and reduced overall fitness levels, especially in older adults.
Treatment of Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is not only necessary to relieve symptoms, but also to improve balance and regain confidence in daily activities. By addressing the underlying cause of Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, people can significantly improve their quality of life.
What is the effective treatment for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo?
The main treatments for Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo are applied through a series of head movements called canal repositioning maneuvers (CRM). The aim of these maneuvers is to move the otolith crystals out of the semicircular canals and back into the utricle/ear canal of the inner ear.
Accurately assessing the type of Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo you have will provide you with the following information:
- Which ear is affected
- Which semicircular canal contains the dislodged crystals
- Are the crystals floating freely in the ear canal? Or are they stuck to adhesives at the base of the ear canal?
This information is essential to selecting the appropriate CRM for Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo treatment.
The following maneuvers are most commonly used to treat Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo:
- Epley maneuver
- Semont maneuver
- BBQ roll
- Gufoni/Appiani maneuver
- Casani maneuver
- Brandt-Daroff maneuver variations
- Somersault maneuver
Over 90% of Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo resolves completely after one attempt. By the third attempt, over 99% of Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo resolves. If more than three attempts fail to resolve your Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, some factors to consider are:
- Your condition is NOT Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
- You have Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo but the specific type of Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo has not been accurately identified, so an incorrect maneuver has been performed
- The appropriate maneuver has been selected but performed poorly.
The patient has Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, but it is complex or atypical Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (crystals in multiple tubes or a unique type of Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo called Cupulolithiasis)
