Feeling Dizzy? Don't Let Vertigo Slow You Down!

Are you experiencing brief episodes of dizziness or spinning triggered by head movements? You might be suffering from benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), the most common inner ear disorder causing dizziness.

This blog post will explain what BPPV is, how it's diagnosed and treated, and what you can do to manage it at home. Here at Marks Chiropractic, we are committed to helping our patients overcome vertigo and regain balance in their lives.

What is BPPV?

BPPV occurs when tiny calcium particles become dislodged within the inner ear canals. These particles disrupt the natural balance system in your ear, leading to brief spells of dizziness, nausea, and imbalance, especially when you move your head.

Symptoms of BPPV:

• Brief episodes of dizziness or spinning lasting seconds to minutes

• Nausea or vomiting

• Loss of balance

• Feeling lightheaded

Risk Factors for BPPV:

• Age (more common in people over 50)

• Head injury

• Inner ear infection

• Migraines

• Osteoporosis

• Diabetes

Diagnosing BPPV:

Our chiropractor will diagnose BPPV through a comprehensive examination, including a detailed discussion of your symptoms and a series of head movement tests. Imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs are typically not required for BPPV diagnosis, but can be helpful in ruling out more serious causes of neurologic symptoms.

Treating BPPV:

The good news is that BPPV is treatable! In most cases, a safe and effective procedure called canalith repositioning maneuvers (CRM) can effectively resolve your symptoms. CRM involves a series of specific head and body movements designed to relocate the displaced particles within your inner ear canal.

At Marks Chiropractic in Marathon, our chiropractor is trained in performing various CRM techniques, including the Epley maneuver and the Semont maneuver. The specific maneuver chosen will depend on the location of the dislodged particles in your inner ear canal amongst other considerations.

Home Care for BPPV:

• Sleep with the affected ear up: Studies show this can help prevent recurrence.

• Avoid movement triggers: Identify and avoid head movements that worsen your dizziness.

• Stay hydrated: Dehydration can worsen dizziness symptoms.

Living with BPPV:

Most people experience significant improvement or complete resolution of BPPV symptoms after CRM treatment. However, BPPV can recur. If you experience recurrent dizziness, consult with our chiropractor to determine the best course of action.

Cervicogenic Vertigo vs. BPPV:

Sometimes, dizziness can originate from the neck, not the inner ear. This condition is called cervicogenic vertigo and can mimic BPPV symptoms. Our chiropractor can perform specific tests to differentiate between BPPV and cervicogenic vertigo and develop a tailored treatment plan.

When to See a Provider:

If your dizziness is constant or accompanied by other concerning symptoms like:

• Hearing loss

• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

• Vision problems

• Slurred speech

• Weakness or numbness in your face or limbs

Seek immediate medical attention.

Don't let BPPV control your life. Contact Marks Chiropractic today to schedule an appointment and get back to feeling your best!

We are conveniently located near Wausau, Wisconsin in Marathon City and can be reached at 715-443-6777 or by scheduling an appointment online at MarathonSpine.com