BPPV stands for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo. It is a medical condition characterized by episodes of intense dizziness or vertigo triggered by specific head movements. BPPV is considered benign, as it is not life-threatening and does not result from a serious underlying medical condition.
The main cause of BPPV is the displacement of small calcium crystals known as otoconia within the inner ear. These crystals are normally present within the otolithic organs that help in detecting changes in head position and movement. However, in BPPV, these crystals become dislodged and migrate into one of the semicircular canals, which are the structures responsible for sensing rotational movements. When the head is moved in certain positions, such as turning over in bed or tilting the head back, the dislodged crystals cause abnormal fluid flow within the semicircular canal, leading to a sensation of spinning or dizziness.
Symptoms of BPPV typically include brief episodes of intense vertigo lasting for less than one minute, often accompanied by nystagmus (involuntary eye movements), nausea, and imbalance. These episodes are usually triggered by certain head movements and can be recurrent over time.
Treatment of BPPV involves various maneuvers or exercises aimed at repositioning the dislodged crystals within the inner ear, most commonly the Epley maneuver or the Semont maneuver. These maneuvers involve specific head and body movements to guide the crystals back into the appropriate location, relieving symptoms of vertigo.
In summary, BPPV refers to a common, non-life-threatening vestibular disorder characterized by episodes of dizziness or vertigo triggered by specific head movements due to the displacement of crystals within the inner ear.
