Do you feel yourself or the world spinning when you roll over in bed? When you turn your head? Or maybe when you lie down or sit up? What you are feeling could be a result of Benign Paroxysmal Position Vertigo (BPPV). BPPV is a condition that affects the balance organ in the inner ear, which creates the false sensation of spinning. The Vestibular Disorders Association (VEDA) breaks down the meaning of BBPV:
“
- Benign – it is not life-threatening
- Paroxysmal – it comes in sudden, brief spells
- Positional – it gets triggered by certain head positions or movements
- Vertigo – a false sense of rotational movement
” (VEDA, 2021)
The balance organ in the inner ear houses crystals that have a more technical term, “otoconia”. These crystals are normally lodged in one place. Sometimes these crystals can become dislodged and disrupt the normal fluid flow in the balance organ. This will then cause false signals of movement or spinning to be sent to the brain.
BPPV can be diagnosed following balance testing. From there, appropriate recommendations can be made for you to treat and manage BPPV. The Doctors at Gardner Audiology perform balance testing as indicated in their Scope of Practice. If you are interested in more information about BPPV and balance testing, visit gardneraudiology.com to make an appointment, or call 1(800)-277-1182.
