There are many disorders of the ear, and specifically the inner ear. One of them is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo or in short BPPV. The disorder dislodges crystals from the inner ear that disorient the part of the ear responsible for sending messages to the brain to determine the position and direction of ones head. BPPV treatment Toronto is sought when the symptoms are acute or when they do not go away.
BPPV symptoms arise when the patient looks up or gets out of bed, mainly movements that cause the position of the head to change. They may stop for several weeks or months and the come back for another period. The disorder arises from head injuries, degeneration of the inner ear due to aging and damage by another pre-existing disorder which they act as triggering factors.
There are several factors that doctors may use to make a diagnosis. They include the patients medical history, physical examinations, and some specialized tests. Some people can afford to ignore the disorder because it is not life-threatening and after all, intermittent. However, when there are risks of falling due to dizziness, it becomes severe.
Seeking treatment early enough ensures one is not at a risk of falling. There are several treatment options at the disposal of the patient. One of them is called canalith or particle repositioning that rectifies the situation with the aid of simple maneuvers intended to change the position of these crystals. If completed, the crystals move to a place where they do not sabotage sending of messages to the brain. A patient may learn from the doctor how to carry out the procedure to it by themselves later.
Once canalith or particle repositioning is complete, a patient may continue experiencing residual dizziness for up to three months after the procedure. Sometimes doctors suggest post-treatment activity restrictions to reduce the risk of debris returning to the sensitive parts of the ear. Such activities include sleeping in an elevated position and wearing a collar over the neck to remind you when about to make quick head turns.
Doctors may suggest surgery if all other methods do not work. It is very effective as its success rate is over 90%. In the surgical approach, a bone plug is used to block the regions of the brain that causes dizziness. Also, some patients may opt for a wait and see, a method that primarily involves waiting to see if symptoms persist.
As said before, doctors may train patients about how to treat BPPV at home. Usually, the one-time procedure at the physicians office may not be enough, and the patient may be required to continue the exercises at home. They are supposed to be conducted with care since they may worsen or star new problems in the ear. Additionally, drugs used to treat motion sickness may be used to manage nausea and dizziness.
In conclusion, BPPV is hardly a serious condition. When the patient is at a risk of falling, it should be taken seriously. Falling while driving, hiking or skiing would prove fatal. Consequently, patients should go for early diagnosis and treatment. Since diagnosis and treatment are easy, there should be no excuse for not getting treated.
BPPV symptoms arise when the patient looks up or gets out of bed, mainly movements that cause the position of the head to change. They may stop for several weeks or months and the come back for another period. The disorder arises from head injuries, degeneration of the inner ear due to aging and damage by another pre-existing disorder which they act as triggering factors.
There are several factors that doctors may use to make a diagnosis. They include the patients medical history, physical examinations, and some specialized tests. Some people can afford to ignore the disorder because it is not life-threatening and after all, intermittent. However, when there are risks of falling due to dizziness, it becomes severe.
Seeking treatment early enough ensures one is not at a risk of falling. There are several treatment options at the disposal of the patient. One of them is called canalith or particle repositioning that rectifies the situation with the aid of simple maneuvers intended to change the position of these crystals. If completed, the crystals move to a place where they do not sabotage sending of messages to the brain. A patient may learn from the doctor how to carry out the procedure to it by themselves later.
Once canalith or particle repositioning is complete, a patient may continue experiencing residual dizziness for up to three months after the procedure. Sometimes doctors suggest post-treatment activity restrictions to reduce the risk of debris returning to the sensitive parts of the ear. Such activities include sleeping in an elevated position and wearing a collar over the neck to remind you when about to make quick head turns.
Doctors may suggest surgery if all other methods do not work. It is very effective as its success rate is over 90%. In the surgical approach, a bone plug is used to block the regions of the brain that causes dizziness. Also, some patients may opt for a wait and see, a method that primarily involves waiting to see if symptoms persist.
As said before, doctors may train patients about how to treat BPPV at home. Usually, the one-time procedure at the physicians office may not be enough, and the patient may be required to continue the exercises at home. They are supposed to be conducted with care since they may worsen or star new problems in the ear. Additionally, drugs used to treat motion sickness may be used to manage nausea and dizziness.
In conclusion, BPPV is hardly a serious condition. When the patient is at a risk of falling, it should be taken seriously. Falling while driving, hiking or skiing would prove fatal. Consequently, patients should go for early diagnosis and treatment. Since diagnosis and treatment are easy, there should be no excuse for not getting treated.
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