Feeling Dizzy When Standing Up? It Could Be Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Causes, Treatments, and Precautions

Have you ever suddenly felt dizzy or experienced the room spinning after quickly turning your head? This might be a sign of 'Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV),' the most common ear-related cause of dizziness that should not be overlooked.

Many people have experienced sudden spinning dizziness or unsteadiness, especially when making quick body movements.Body posturechanges abruptly. These symptoms may not be simple faintness but rathera warning sign of“Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV),” a common condition that unexpectedly affects many people's quality of life.

Understanding“Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo”What is it?

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is the most frequent cause of dizziness among patients with ear-related vertigo.

In simple terms, the inner ear normally contains calcium carbonate crystals that help maintain balance. When these crystals become dislodged, it causes immediate spinning dizziness. Symptoms typically worsen with movements that shift the crystals, such as

• changing from sitting to lying down
• or turning the head quickly.

What causesthe crystals to dislodge?What are the causes?

Currently, medicine cannot pinpoint an exact cause for the crystals becoming dislodged. However, statistics and clinical observations have identified several risk factors:

• Age: The likelihood of crystals dislodging increases with age.
• Circulatory system: Reduced blood flow to the affected inner ear area may contribute.
• Injury: Trauma or impact to the head or ear can trigger dislodging of the crystals.

Diagnosis and symptom check by doctors

If you have relevant symptoms and see a doctor, specialists diagnose BPPV byrotating the patient's headwhile observing abnormal eye movements and assessing dizziness during these positional tests.

Dangers and complications to watch out for

The real danger of BPPV is not just discomfort from dizziness but that sudden vertigo can lead to serious accidents, such as falls or injuries from losing balance.

Treatment approaches for dislodged crystals

Treatment depends on symptom severity and typically follows this sequence:

• Physical therapy: Specialists perform maneuvers to reposition the crystals back to their proper place.
• Medication: Doctors may prescribe drugs to relieve dizziness symptoms initially.
• Surgery: If symptoms persist for over a year despite therapy, surgery to block the inner ear canal may be consideredto lock the crystals in place. However, this carries a risk of hearing loss.Surgical risks include potential hearing impairment.

Self-care tips and behaviors to avoid

Medical data shows dislodged crystals often settle in theposterior canal of the inner ear.Therefore, patients should adjust their habits and be cautious about movements involvingtilting the head backward,such as

• leaning back for hair washing at salons,
• or tilting the head up while applying eye drops.

If you frequently experience spinning dizziness or suspect you have BPPV, promptly consult a specialist for accurate diagnosis to ensure your safety and long-term health.

Reference: Associate Professor Dr. Siwaporn Kiattananabutrung, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University.