What is positional vertigo and what causes it?

Positional vertigo occurs when small crystals of calcium carbonate are floating in the fluid-filled semicircular canals. The canals are small tubes in the inner ears that send messages about movement to the brain and help us keep our balance.

Can Central and peripheral disorders mimic the presentation of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo?

Although less common, central and peripheral disorders can mimic the presentation of BPV and are an important differential diagnosis for episodic positional vertigo. 2.  Pathophysiology The semicircular canals are the sensors of angular head acceleration.

What are the treatments for benign positional vertigo?

What are the treatments for benign positional vertigo? A variety of treatments are available to help treat BPV. These include: Some doctors consider the Epley maneuver the most effective treatment for BPV. It’s a simple exercise you can try at home that doesn’t require any equipment.

Should nystagmus be included in positional testing for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo?

Nystagmus observed on positional testing may prompt the examiner to misdiagnose BPV and offer fruitless repositioning manoeuvres, which will lead to unnecessary nausea and distress.

What are the treatment options for positional vertigo?

People can be trained to do the Epley maneuver at home if positional vertigo recurs. When the Epley maneuver is not successful, an otolaryngologist may try a vibrator on the head to help jiggle the crystals out of the canal. For some patients, the only solution is surgery.

Can positional vertigo go away on its own?

Dr. Mann, who sees cases of positional vertigo on a daily basis, has seen people with positional vertigo that had lasted “for years and years and after we treated them it disappeared,” he said. “Left untreated, it will usually stay the way it is, although sometimes it’ll disappear spontaneously.