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Peripheral
vertigo is due to a problem in the part of the inner ear that controls
balance. These areas are called the vestibular labyrinth, or
semicircular canals. The problem may also involve the vestibular nerve.
This is the nerve between the inner ear and the brain stem.
Peripheral vertigo is most commonly due
to a benign process; benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is by
far the most common cause of peripheral vertigo. In contrast, central
vertigo often indicates more serious pathology.
As
its name suggests, BPPV is a benign condition, meaning it is not
cancerous or harmful. However, its symptoms can be alarming and affect
one's quality of life. Feelings of nausea often accompany prolonged
episodes of vertigo.
Although
not usually a serious health concern, vertigo can be a symptom of an
underlying medical condition and should always be evaluated by a doctor
to determine what treatment, if any, is needed.
Symptoms
are usually of sudden onset and may be more severe than those
experienced with central vertigo. This type of vertigo is triggered by
sudden changes in head position and/or movement and may cause nausea
and/or vomiting (BIG TIME). Gait and coordination are not usually affected (Ummm, well . . ).
The
dizziness associated with BPPV is generally short lived (less than 90
seconds) and can usually be decreased by fixing your vision on a
stationary object when it happens (that's if you can get it to stop).
Your
doctor will first take a complete medical history and conduct a
physical exam. “The most important part of the evaluation will be your
description of the dizziness and when it occurs,” says UH ear, nose and
throat specialist, Sarah Mowry, MD. “For most people with BPPV, the
dizziness is a short-lived but intense sensation of room spinning that
occurs when you roll over in bed toward the affected ear, look up at
something or flip your head over while using the hairdryer, to mention a
few examples. It is provoked by movement and goes away within 90
seconds. Some people also experience a sensation of being off balance
even when they are not moving their heads.”
“The most useful physical exam for the diagnosis of BPPV is the
Dix-Hallpike
maneuver, which is designed to provoke dizziness if it is caused by
BPPV. While this examination may be briefly uncomfortable, it is key in
making the diagnosis,” adds Dr. Mowry.
Your doctor may also recommend additional treatments, which may include:
• Canalith Repositioning Procedure (CRP) – a simple, noninvasive
series of head movements that help move the dislodged crystals out of
the semi-circular canals and back into the otolith organs where they
belong. Although one time through the procedure is often enough to
resolve symptoms, your doctor can teach you how to do these movements at
home in the event your BPPV recurs.
• Vestibular Therapy – a type of physical therapy which helps people with dizziness and balance problems.
The
name of this test comes from neurotologist Margaret Ruth Dix and
surgeon Charles Skinner Hallpike, who published key research on vertigo
and ways to diagnose and treat it. Other names for the Dix-Hallpike
maneuver include Dix-Hallpike test and Hallpike test. Since 1952, it’s
been the gold standard in use today.
The name of this test comes from neurotologist
Margaret Ruth Dix and surgeon
Charles Skinner Hallpike,
who published key research on vertigo and ways to diagnose and treat
it. Other names for the Dix-Hallpike maneuver include Dix-Hallpike test
and Hallpike test.
So,
it is with relief that I can look forward to a decent life filled with
wonderful adventures, delicious
food, fantastic friends,
style and last
but not least,
Fashion.
"The '90s were extremely diverse, almost like a laboratory of the new century.
There was much experimenting around, in politics, economics, gender and family structures,
and also in fashion.
There was a cloud of possibilities which kept us all dizzy."
Viewfinder links:
Styrous® ~ Juneteenth, Monday, June 19, 2023
