A change in head position causes a sudden sensation of spinning.
Most likely the movement of Otolith crystals in the ear [made of gelatinous matrix and calcium carbonate in the viscous fluid of the saccule and utricle, that break loose in the canals.
The inertia (movement) of these small particles causes them to stimulate hair cells when the head moves] and touch the sensitive nerve endings inside.
Cause
Most likely the movement of Otolith crystals in the ear [made of gelatinous matrix and calcium carbonate in the viscous fluid of the saccule and utricle, that break loose in the canals. The inertia (movement) of these small particles causes them to stimulate hair cells when the head moves] and touch the sensitive nerve endings inside.
Injury to head
Ear surgery
Prolonged back position i.e. sitting on a chair at an angle
Vitamin D deficiency (more Otolith crystals movement/dislodged since these crystals are part made up of calcium, vitamin D helps to control calcium balance).
Source: Mayo Clinic News Network 'canalith repositioning procedure'
Source: School of Medicine - Case Western Reserve University ' Dix-Hallpike maneuver (also known as the Barany maneuver), a provocative test to try to reproduce the patient's vertigo)
Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:
Do not wait, phone for an ambulance if have or develop:
Severe headache with vomiting
Double vision or loss of vision
Hearing loss
Trouble speaking
Leg or arm weakness
Loss of consciousness
Falling or difficulty walking
Numbness or tingling
General Tips
Do:
Lie still in a quiet, dark room to reduce the spinning feeling
Move your head carefully and slowly during daily activities
Sit down straight away when you feel dizzy
Turn on the lights if you get up at night
Use a walking stick if you’re at risk of falling
Sleep with your head slightly raised on 2 or more pillows
Get out of bed slowly and sit on the edge of the bed for a while before standing up
Try to relax – anxiety/stress can make vertigo worse
Don’t
Do not bend over to pick things up – squat to lower yourself instead
Do not stretch your neck – for example, while reaching up to a high shelf
Labyrinthitis – inflammation and swelling of the inner ear.
Mal de debarquement – a rocking sensation and/or imbalance that persist for an excessive length of time after a boating excursion or cruise of at least a few days duration, or less commonly after an airplane flight or other motion experience.
Vestibular neuritis – Inflammation and/or irritation of the vestibular nerve which carries information from the inner ear to the brain regarding head movement.
Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice
Detailed Information
Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).
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