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A few years ago I was diagnosed with a condition called labyrinthitis (link below)! It turns out I actually have BPPV, benign positional peripheral vertigo. In other words, I'm DIZZY. Kinda explains a lot!
From University Hospitals with images from the Net:
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.
The vestibulo-ocular reflex is a reflex, where activation of the vestibular system causes eye movement. This reflex functions to stabilize images on the retinas (in yoked vision) during head movement by producing eye movements in the direction opposite to head movement, thus preserving the image on the center of the visual field(s).
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 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:
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.
The vestibulo-ocular reflex is a reflex, where activation of the vestibular system causes eye movement. This reflex functions to stabilize images on the retinas (in yoked vision) during head movement by producing eye movements in the direction opposite to head movement, thus preserving the image on the center of the visual field(s).
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.
• 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.
• 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."
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Styrous® ~ Juneteenth, Monday, June 19, 2023
