What is causing your dizziness? How to fix it and Why?

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By Dr. Wu Doctor of Physical Therapy

Do you have dizziness for couple seconds when you turn your head to left or right?
Do you have trouble getting in and out of bed or your vehicle?
Are your symptoms getting worse after a falling or car accident?

If you answer at least one "Yes" to the above 3 questions, you probably have a condition called "BPPV."  Today I will share with you more information about this unique condition and treatment options.

What is BPPV?
BPPV is the abbreviation of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo. As you learn from the name of the condition, it is benign--not life-threatening, sudden onset position related vertigo. 

The vertigo is related to the functional organ located in the inner ear.
Image result for vestibular system balance

There are 3 input systems for balance sensation.
1. Vision
2. Vestibular system--inner ear
3. Somatosensory--sensation input from joints

One of the theory for the vertigo is that the inputs from the above 3 systems are so different that the brain doesn't know which one to trust most. Patients with vertigo might choose to close their eyes and stop movements of the body to limited the inputs to the brain for a better feeling. Some medications will also inhibit the inputs to the brain. Therefore, the meds might make you feel better by hiding "total volume" of the input to the brain. The medications did not assist the recovery process at all. 

The key to getting 100% recovery is to rebalance the inputs to the brain. For the diagnosis of BPPV, there might be some calcium carbonate crystals dislodge and move freely inside one of the canals of the vestibular system. Those crystals might be absorbed by your body quickly. The cause of the crystal dislodging is believed to be related to trauma, infection, and decreased blood flow locally, such as stroke, TIA, and diabetics, et al.

How to fix it?
One of most commonly used maneuver is Epley Maneuver















It only takes 1-3 visits to fix the diagnosis of BPPV, so don't you wait and suffer. It is not recommended for patients to try this treatment at home before seeing a licensed professional. The neck range of motions should be tested, and the vertebral artery should be assessed first before the application of this maneuver.  

Ask Doctor Wu about your vertigo today for a free phone consultation or Free discovery visit today. 
When you get better with much less vertigo, it might be a good idea to get some balance training before getting back to your routine activities. Remember, those 3 input systems need to get trained to provide accurate and timely information for your brain to judge. A lot of patients with BPPV also did not do enough activities and might have some weakness of the limbs and trunk.



*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources for educational purpose. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your healthcare provider because of any information you read on this topic. For more info or service of physical therapy in Albuquerque, please visit www.PTcares.com.

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