Medication
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common of the inner ear disorders. BPPV can affect people of all ages but is most common in people over the age of 60. Most patients can be effectively treated with physical therapy. In …
Procedures
An audiologist specializes in treating disorders such as BPPV that can cause balance and/or hearing loss. Your doctor may also recommend a physical therapist to perform canalith maneuver procedures for your symptoms. Canalith maneuvers are head positions that your physical therapist or doctor can use to remove particles from within the inner ear that are causing your …
Therapy
“By moving the head in a precise pattern, called an Epley maneuver, BPPV can often be easily treated in the office. “While many physicians can treat vertigo, the therapy is often practiced most skillfully by trained physical therapists, who have the skill and facility to render effective treatment.” What Type of Doctor to See
Nutrition
Apr 18, 2021 · If you have vertigo, some of the probable causes of this condition may include issues like; Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), Meniere’s disease, labyrinthitis, or vestibular neuritis. Usually, your primary doctor or general practitioner may diagnose your vertigo and treat it if it’s a mild one.
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Family Practitioner. Vertigo and dizziness caused by an inner ear condition may require that you see a specialist. Your doctor may recommend that you see an audiologist. An audiologist specializes in treating inner ear disorders, like benign paroxysmal positional vertigo that can cause balance and/or hearing loss. You may also see an ENT doctor.
What kind of Doctor do you see for BPPV?
A canalith repositioning procedure (CRP) is a treatment for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), the most common cause of vertigo. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
What is the treatment for BPPV?
Once your neurologist has determined the exact cause of your vertigo, additional measures may be taken to relieve your symptoms. For example, vertigo caused by BPPV can be treated using the Epley repositioning maneuver, which clears calcium crystals from the ear canal. Meniere’s disease may also require bed rest and diuretic medications in addition to VBAs.
What kind of Doctor treats benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)?
Oct 15, 2020 · It can be done by your doctor, an audiologist or a physical therapist and involves maneuvering the position of your head. It's usually effective after one or two treatments. Before undergoing this procedure, tell your care provider if you have a neck or back condition, a detached retina, or blood vessel problems. Balance therapy.
What is it like to have BPPV?
BPPV is a condition that causes small crystals to get loose and start to float in the fluid of your inner ear. The movement of the crystals and the fluid leads you to feel dizzy. Sometimes an ear ...

How to diagnose BPPV?
Diagnosing BPPV involves taking a detailed history of a person’s health. The doctor confirms the diagnosis by observing nystagmus — jerking of the person’s eyes that accompanies the vertigo caused by changing head position. This is accomplished through a diagnostic test called the Dix-Hallpike maneuver.
What causes BPPV?
In many people, especially older adults, there is no specific event that causes BPPV to occur, but there are some things that may bring on an attack: 1 Mild to severe head trauma 2 Keeping the head in the same position for a long time, such as in the dentist chair, at the beauty salon or during strict bed rest 3 Bike riding on rough trails 4 High intensity aerobics 5 Other inner ear disease (ischemic, inflammatory, infectious)
What is the most common inner ear disorder?
What You Need to Know. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common of the inner ear disorders. BPPV can affect people of all ages but is most common in people over the age of 60. Most patients can be effectively treated with physical therapy. In rare cases, the symptoms can last for years.
Where does BPPV occur?
BPPV occurs when tiny calcium crystals called otoconia come loose from their normal location on the utricle, a sensory organ in the inner ear. If the crystals become detached, they can flow freely in the fluid-filled spaces of the inner ear, including the semicircular canals (SCC) that sense the rotation of the head.
What is the Epley maneuver?
The Epley maneuver and other bedside physical therapy maneuvers and exercise programs can help reposition the crystals from the semicircular canals. Recurrences can occur, and repeat repositioning treatments are often necessary. After Epley maneuver treatment, the patient may begin walking with caution.
Can BPPV be treated with Epley maneuver?
BPPV with the most common variant (crystals in the posterior SCC) can be treated successfully — with no tests, pills, surgery or special equipment — by using the Epley maneuver.
Can you take anti-nausea medication for BPPV?
Usually no medications are required for BPPV unless the patient has severe nausea or vomiting. If extreme nausea is present, the doctor may prescribe or administer anti-nausea medications, especially if the person would not be able to tolerate repositioning maneuvers otherwise.
What causes vertigo in the ear?
A common cause of vertigo involves the inner ear canal. This might be the cause of your vertigo — which to some sufferers, is described as the room “spinning,” “whirling” or moving. It may also be described as sort of like a motion sickness. “Vertigo, or more precisely, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo [BPPV], ...
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Why is my head not moving?
Your head is not moving left to right because your eyes are glued to the screen. All is fine. You then turn your head 90 degrees to the right to grab your coffee mug…and you feel a wave of dizziness. The room may seem to shift a little, but this isn’t always the case.
What causes vertigo in men?
If you have vertigo, some of the probable causes of this condition may include issues like; Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), Meniere’s disease, labyrinthitis, or vestibular neuritis. Usually, your primary doctor or general practitioner may diagnose your vertigo and treat it if it’s a mild one.
What are the symptoms of vertigo?
If you have vertigo, you may experience symptoms like swaying, spinning, feeling unbalanced, tilting, and sensations of being pulled to one direction. The other symptoms that may accompany your vertigo include; vomiting, nausea, hearing loss or ringing in the ear, ...
Is vertigo subjective or objective?
If you feel like you’re the one who is moving, you could be dealing with what is known as subjective verti go.
Is vertigo a condition?
This is important because vertigo is not always a condition but may be a manifestation of something else.
Can you have surgery on your inner ear?
Surgery in your inner ear: Surgery in your inner ear may be necessary if your vertigo is so severe that you cannot live a normal life. Usually, it may be recommended as the last resort if you have not found success managing your vertigo with other treatment options.
What is the eye movement test?
Eye Movement Testing: For this test, your ENT doctor may need to watch your eye’s path as you track an object in motion. You may also be given the eye motion test where air or water may be placed in the ear canal.
Is vertigo dangerous?
Vertigo sensation may happen so infrequently, meaning that you may not immediately notice the changes in your sense of balance. Nonetheless, it may also be dangerous, meaning that there may be a need to take care of it as soon as possible. Since Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) specialists get training on managing disorders ...
What does BPPV stand for?
The letters of the term “BPPV” stand for: Benign: of no danger to health. Paroxysmal: happening in sudden, brief spells. Positional: triggered by particular head movements or positions. Vertigo: an internal sense of irregular or whirling motion either of yourself or of objects around you.
What causes vertigo in the ear?
Other causes of vertigo could include: 1 An abnormal brain structure 2 Certain kinds of migraine headaches 3 Vestibular neuritis (a type of inner-ear infection) 4 Meniere’s disease (a progressive disease of the inner ear, causing ringing in the ears among other symptoms) 5 Orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure upon standing up) 6 Panic attacks
What is CRP in medical terms?
What is a canalith repositioning procedure (CRP)? A canalith repositioning procedure (CRP) is a treatment for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), the most common cause of vertigo. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission.
What is the treatment for vertigo?
In a general sense, vertigo-associated disease is commonly treated using vestibular blocking agents or VBAs. These include medications such as antihistamines (promethazine or betahistine), benzodiazepines (diazepam or lorazepam), or antiemetics (prochlorperazine or metoclopramide).
What causes central vertigo?
Central vertigo can be caused by medical conditions such as multiple sclerosis, migraines, stroke, or a tumor in the cerebellum . However, only about 7% of vertigo cases are categorized as central vertigo. Together these two categories of vertigo make up what is called vertigo-associated disease.
What causes vertigo in the ear?
Therefore when it comes to treating vertigo, the first thing your doctor must determine is what is causing the vertigo. There are two different categories of vertigo that have specific causes. The first category is known as peripheral vertigo, which is caused by a problem with the inner ear or vestibular nerve that connects the ear to the brain. The majority of vertigo causes are classified as being peripheral. Peripheral vertigo is most commonly caused by: 1 Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) occurs when calcium crystals are floating around the semicircular canals in the inner ear. It is triggered by head movements. 2 Meniere’s Disease occurs when there is increased pressure within the endolymphatic system that causes hearing and balance problems. 3 Acute Peripheral Vestibulopathy (APV) occurs when inner ear inflammation leads to sudden vertigo.
How to test for eye movement?
This can be done by performing the following tests: Head Thrust: while you are staring at the doctor’s nose, they will move their head quickly to the side to look for correct eye movement. Romberg: standing with feet together, you will close your eyes and try to maintain balance.
Is vertigo a medical condition?
While many people believe that vertigo is a medical condition, it is actually considered a symptom of medical conditions that can affect the inner ear, vestibular nerve, brain stem, or cerebellum. Therefore when it comes to treating vertigo, the first thing your doctor must determine is what is causing the vertigo.
What is the best treatment for vertigo?
It can be done by your doctor, an audiologist or a physical therapist and involves maneuvering the position of your head.
What test is used to determine if vertigo is benign?
If your doctor suspects your vertigo is caused by benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, he or she may do a simple head movement test called the Dix-Hallpike maneuver to verify the diagnosis. Posturography.
What to do if you have a stroke and you are dizzy?
If your doctor suspects you are having or may have had a stroke, are older or suffered a blow to the head, he or she may immediately order an MRI or CT scan. Most people visiting their doctor because of dizziness will first be asked about their symptoms and medications and then be given a physical examination.
How to help with dizziness with Meniere's disease?
Water pills. If you have Meniere's disease, your doctor may prescribe a water pill (diuretic). This along with a low-salt diet may help reduce how often you have dizziness episodes.
What is vestibular rehabilitation?
This physical therapy technique is called vestibular rehabilitation. It is used for people with dizziness from inner ear conditions such as vestibular neuritis. Psychotherapy. This type of therapy may help people whose dizziness is caused by anxiety disorders.
What to do if you get dizzy while driving?
If you have had episodes of dizziness while driving, arrange for alternate transportation while you're waiting to see your doctor. If your dizziness causes you to feel like you might fall, take steps to reduce your risk. Keep your home well lighted and free of hazards that might cause you to trip.
How to prevent falling?
Fall-proof your home by removing tripping hazards such as area rugs and exposed electrical cords. Use nonslip mats on your bath and shower floors.
How to treat peripheral vertigo?
BPPV, the most common cause of peripheral vertigo, can be treated with a 15-minute exercise known as the Epley maneuver. This series of movements, done in your doctor's office, helps return the crystals that control balance to the correct place in your inner ear.
What is the best treatment for vertigo?
Anti-inflammatory drugs can sometimes help ease symptoms if your peripheral vertigo is caused by vestibular neuronitis, Meniere's disease, or labyrinthitis. Meniere's disease can also be controlled by cutting down on salt, caffeine, and alcohol and lowering your stress.
What causes vertigo in the inner ear?
The most common causes of the inner ear trouble that leads to peripheral vertigo are: 1 Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) 2 Vestibular neuronitis 3 Meniere's disease
Is vertigo a medical condition?
Keep in mind that vertigo is a symptom of a medical condition, not a disease by itself. Your doctor will try to figure out what's behind it.
How to help with vertigo?
In these situations, you'll need a combination of balance exercises, lifestyle changes, and medication to manage the vertigo. Motion sickness medicine may also help ease nausea. Your doctor may also prescribe medicines that help reduce balance problems.
Can vertigo cause ear pain?
Nausea and vomiting, sweating, and ear problems are all common symptoms that you may have along with vertigo. If your peripheral vertigo is caused by an inner ear infection or a disease, you may have some pain or a feeling of fullness in your ear. In labyrinthitis and Meniere's disease, you may have hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing of the ears) ...
How long does vertigo last?
Eye movement that you can't control happens in both types of vertigo. But in central vertigo this eye movement lasts longer (weeks to months during vertigo episodes) and it does not go away when you're asked to focus on a fixed point.
