If you have felt like the room is spinning while you aren’t moving, there’s a high likelihood that you have experienced benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (or BPPV). This condition occurs when calcium deposits in the inner ear become dislodged. At ENT & Allergy of Georgia, we can determine if BPPV is causing your symptoms and provide you with the best treatment for it.
If you’re experiencing the following symptoms, you might have BPPV.
BPPV is often the result of head trauma, such as a car accident or fall.
Our office will provide a referral to connect you with a diagnostic exam. They’ll also take the time to answer any questions about the symptoms you’re experiencing.
The test that is typically used to diagnose BPPV is the Dix-Hallpike maneuver. After gently turning your head at a 45-degree angle, you’ll lie back with your head on the side of the examination table. If you experience vertigo during this test, you likely have BPPV.
Our audiologist can often treat BPPV by performing specific maneuvers that allow the calcium crystals to float out of the semicircular canal, which will likely alleviate your symptoms.
Unless you’re experiencing severe nausea or vomiting, medication is typically not required for BPPV.
Most patients find that physical therapy alleviates their symptoms, but in some rare instances, people can experience symptoms for years. If you experience long-term symptoms, we’ll provide a referral for treatment.
If you think you have BPPV, you don’t have to manage it independently. At ENT & Allergy of Georgia, we’re here to support you from your initial diagnosis through any ongoing treatment. Soon enough, you’ll be able to get back to doing what you love without vertigo interrupting you.
