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.
A patient recognizes BPPV symptoms when they abruptly change the position of their heads such as when they look up or roll on the bed. Symptoms are intermittent; may stop for weeks or even months after which they come back. Head injuries, damage to the inner ear by other disorders and degeneration are some of the causes of the disorder.
Doctors use medical history, specialized diagnostic tests, and physical examinations to diagnose the disorder. It is important to note that the condition is not always dangerous and hence, some people shrug it off. It may or may not get better, either way it is harmless unless in cases where there is a high probability of falling.
Early treatment ensures that one is not at risk of injury. Treatment options often vary depending on the severity. One of these methods is canalith repositioning. The procedure is performed by a qualified doctor through several simple maneuvers to alter the positioning of ones head. The maneuvers reposition the crystals to a place in the ear where they do not interfere with communication to the brain. The doctor in most cases teaches the patient to carry out the procedure by themselves.
Even after a successful particle repositioning procedure, some patients experience dizziness for months. This is why doctors restrict activity to ensure a significant reduction in the risk of debris returning to the area of the ear where they have been removed from. For instance, using a cervical collar over the neck to restrict quick head turns or sleeping on two pillows to ensure elevation.
Another alternative is surgery that is over 90% effective. It is prescribed in very rare cases where particle repositioning does not work. It targets the part of the ear that causes dizzy symptoms and rectifies the situation by using a bone plug for blockage. Alternatively, patients may try a wait and see approach.
As mentioned earlier, patients may get trained on how to conduct the home exercise as the simple procedure at the doctors office may not be adequate. It is imperative to do the home exercise with utmost care to ensure that one does not worsen or create new problems in the inner ear. Drugs used in treating motion sickness are used to manage dizziness and control nausea.
BPPV is rarely a serious condition. However, when it has a risk for falling, it needs to be treated. Falling as a result of dizziness while driving or in risky activities such as skiing or hiking may be fatal. Diagnosis is easy as it can be made at the doctors office. There are several treatment options at the disposal of a patient.
A patient recognizes BPPV symptoms when they abruptly change the position of their heads such as when they look up or roll on the bed. Symptoms are intermittent; may stop for weeks or even months after which they come back. Head injuries, damage to the inner ear by other disorders and degeneration are some of the causes of the disorder.
Doctors use medical history, specialized diagnostic tests, and physical examinations to diagnose the disorder. It is important to note that the condition is not always dangerous and hence, some people shrug it off. It may or may not get better, either way it is harmless unless in cases where there is a high probability of falling.
Early treatment ensures that one is not at risk of injury. Treatment options often vary depending on the severity. One of these methods is canalith repositioning. The procedure is performed by a qualified doctor through several simple maneuvers to alter the positioning of ones head. The maneuvers reposition the crystals to a place in the ear where they do not interfere with communication to the brain. The doctor in most cases teaches the patient to carry out the procedure by themselves.
Even after a successful particle repositioning procedure, some patients experience dizziness for months. This is why doctors restrict activity to ensure a significant reduction in the risk of debris returning to the area of the ear where they have been removed from. For instance, using a cervical collar over the neck to restrict quick head turns or sleeping on two pillows to ensure elevation.
Another alternative is surgery that is over 90% effective. It is prescribed in very rare cases where particle repositioning does not work. It targets the part of the ear that causes dizzy symptoms and rectifies the situation by using a bone plug for blockage. Alternatively, patients may try a wait and see approach.
As mentioned earlier, patients may get trained on how to conduct the home exercise as the simple procedure at the doctors office may not be adequate. It is imperative to do the home exercise with utmost care to ensure that one does not worsen or create new problems in the inner ear. Drugs used in treating motion sickness are used to manage dizziness and control nausea.
BPPV is rarely a serious condition. However, when it has a risk for falling, it needs to be treated. Falling as a result of dizziness while driving or in risky activities such as skiing or hiking may be fatal. Diagnosis is easy as it can be made at the doctors office. There are several treatment options at the disposal of a patient.
