BPPV- Have You Got Rocks In Your Head?

It seemed when I blew out my birthday cake candles last June and turned 65 that my body screamed, "Ouch!"

I have pains that I never had before. But besides needing the Tin Man's oil can for my joints, I can do most of what I have always done. That was up until this week.

Then an old acquaintance came by for an unexpected visit.

BPPV  

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

According to Wikipedia,  "Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a disorder arising in the inner ear. Its symptoms are repeated episodes of positional vertigo, that is, of a spinning sensation caused by changes in the position of the head.BPPV is the most common cause of the symptoms of vertigo."

My general practitioner diagnosed this back at least 10 years ago. He and an Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist tested me, examined me, and treated me at that time. Actually, the specialist could find nothing wrong with me and never understood my dizziness. But our local GP insisted I had BPPV, and after giving me his famed neck jerk suggested I do the exercises described in the video below.

What causes my vertigo? I am sure staring at my iPad does not help, so I am going to cut down on that. According to Wiki, 

"It can be triggered by any action which stimulates the posterior semi-circular canal which may be:

• Tilting the head
• Rolling over in bed
• Looking up or under
• Sudden head motion
• Post head injury

BPPV may be made worse by any number of modifiers which may vary between individuals:

• Changes in barometric pressure - patients often feel symptoms approximately two days before rain or snow
• Lack of sleep (required amount of sleep may vary widely)
• Stress"

So will I be dizzy again someday? Probably. But I know an exercise to relieve the ill feeling. 

Brandt-Daroff Exercise for Vertigo

• Move into the lying position on one side with your nose pointed up at about a 45-degree angle.
• Remain in this position for about 30 seconds (or until the vertigo subsides, whichever is longer), then move back to the seated position.
• Repeat on the other side.

People using this exercise usually are instructed to do 20 repetitions of the exercise at least twice a day.

Better yet, watch this video:

http://youtu.be/iP-UYhAk6tA

Or try the Epley Maneuver on this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QikUTAmeE0M&sns=em

Warning: I am no doctor. So if you are experiencing dizziness, visit your doctor and ask about BPPV.