Ear, Nose, Throat & Allergy Associates P.S.
Specializing in disorders of the Ear, Nose and Throat.
Specializing in disorders of the Ear, Nose and Throat.
BPPV Northwest Hearing Center of Puyallup
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
& Canalith Repositioning (CRP)
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is an inner ear problem that results in short lasting, but severe, room-spinning vertigo. Its name, BPPV, indicates that it is benign, or not a very serious or progressive condition; paroxysmal, meaning sudden and unpredictable in onset; positional, because it comes about with a change in head position; and vertigo, causing a sense of room-spinning or whirling, often expressed as "dizziness". According to Richard Gans, PhD, BPPV is the leading form of vertigo among all age groups, but is more prevalent in older populations. BPPV is believed to be the result of calcium carbonate crystals that have dislodged from their resting place in the ear and moved to a semicircular canal that helps control balance. These crystals or otoconia often settle in the posterior semicircular canal because this canal hangs down like a water trap in a drain pipe. Patients with BPPV will become dizzy with change in position and the dizziness will last for several seconds to one-minute. The canalith repositioning
"(BPPV) is an inner ear problem that results in short lasting, but severe, room-spinning vertigo."
There are several instructions that need to be followed to ensure optimal results:
- When sleeping a 45-degree angle is required for the next 48-hours.
- Keep the head very still and straight for 48-hours.
- No vigorous activity for 5-days after treatment.
