In our daily lives, the importance of balance is often unnoticed, but we deeply feel this when an episode of dizziness occurs. One of the most common causes of dizziness, Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), originates from a small change in the complex structure of the inner ear. However, this “small” change can significantly affect our quality of life.

Causes and Presentation of BPPV

The underlying cause of BPPV is the displacement of tiny crystals embedded in the inner ear wall, which shift to the wrong area. These crystals send incorrect signals to the balance nerves with the movement of the head, triggering the sensation of dizziness. This feeling can occur when getting out of bed, bending down, or even simply turning left or right.
This condition often creates a sensation of “the room spinning.” Interestingly, this spinning sensation only occurs when there is a change in position and can last from a few seconds to a minute. Attacks lasting longer than a minute do not occur. For some individuals, this sensation becomes not only a physical but also a psychological discomfort, as the constant expectation of dizziness can significantly reduce the quality of life.

Symptoms and Effects of BPPV

While dizziness is the most obvious symptom of BPPV, it does not occur alone. Dizziness is often accompanied by nausea, loss of balance, tinnitus, and even blurred vision. These symptoms can limit a person’s daily activities and negatively affect their self-confidence. Especially in older individuals, balance loss due to BPPV can increase the risk of falls, leading to physical injuries.

Diagnosis and Treatment Process of BPPV

One of the most commonly used methods for diagnosing BPPV is the Dix-Hallpike test. This test is performed to determine which movements trigger dizziness. Once a diagnosis is made, treatment usually does not require medication. Instead, special positioning techniques, such as the Epley maneuver, are used to guide the crystals to their correct position. However, situations where the crystals shift to other canals during repositioning can complicate the treatment and cause dizziness to persist. Sometimes, medications and balance exercises are recommended to completely relieve the symptoms. These exercises not only speed up the treatment process but also help in maintaining the health of the inner ear.