What is a Common Disorder in the Inner Ear?

The inner ear is a complex and delicate part of our body responsible for maintaining balance and enabling us to hear. Unfortunately, like any other body part, the inner ear can be susceptible to specific disorders.

One such common disorder is called Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, or BPPV. In this blog post, we will explore BPPV, its causes, symptoms, and available treatment options make sure to go through the full article.

What is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)?

BPPV stands for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo. Let’s break down this term to better understand it. “Benign” means that the disorder is not life-threatening, “paroxysmal” indicates that it occurs suddenly, “positional” refers to the fact that certain head positions trigger the symptoms, and “vertigo” is the sensation of dizziness or a spinning feeling.

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) Causes:

BPPV occurs when tiny calcium crystals, called otoconia, become dislodged from their usual position within the inner ear.

These crystals can then float into the fluid-filled canals, which are responsible for detecting changes in head position and maintaining balance.

When the crystals disrupt the normal flow of fluid, it sends confusing signals to the brain, resulting in dizziness and vertigo.

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) Symptoms:

The most common symptom of BPPV is intense dizziness that occurs suddenly when you change the position of your head, such as when you turn over in bed, look up or down, or tilt your head.

This dizziness is usually short-lived, lasting only a few seconds to a minute. Some people may also experience nausea, unsteadiness, and a feeling of being off-balance.

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) Treatment:

The good news is that BPPV can be effectively treated. One of the most common treatments is called the Epley manoeuvre.

It involves a series of specific head movements that aim to reposition the dislodged crystals back into their proper place. This procedure can be performed by a healthcare professional or under their guidance.

Another treatment option is the Brandt- Daroff exercises, which are a series of movements that can be done at home to alleviate symptoms.

Dr. Navin Tiwari
Consulting Neurologist