To continue our BPPV series, we are sharing causes of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is today’s blog. For those experiencing hearing loss, reach out to your local Orlando Hearing Services center.
Causes of BPPV:
In our most recent blog, we shared the symptoms of BPPV, or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Check out that article if you did not yet read it. It will catch you up and prepare you to come on back.
Now that you are all caught up on the symptoms, let’s dive into the causes. When there is no known cause for the BPPV, it is called idiopathic BPPV. It is usually associated with a minor to severe blow to the head.
Less common causes of BPPV include the following:
- disorders which damage the inner ear
- damage caused during ear surgery
- long periods positioned lying on your back
- migraines
The composition of the ear:
Inside of a human ear, there is a tiny organ called the vestibular labyrinth. It includes three structures that look like loops. These are called semicircular canals.
These loop-shaped structures contain fluid and fine, hair-like sensors that monitor the head’s position. When the head rotates, these sensors can detect the movement. Other structures in the ear monitor the head’s up and down movements.
The otolith organs can monitor the following movements:
- up and down
- left and right
- back and forth
- the head’s position relative to gravity
These tiny otolith organs have crystals that make us sensitive to gravity. Due to several reasons, these crystals can become dislodged. When they do become dislodged, they can move into one of the semicircular canals.
This happens easily while lying down. When the crystals become dislodged, the semicircular canal can become sensitive to head changes in the head’s position that it would not usually be sensitive to. This is what makes us feel dizzy.
Who is likely to experience vertigo:
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo occurs often in people fifty years old and older. It can really happen at any age though. BPPV is more common in women than in men.
A head injury or any other disorder which affects balance will make a person more susceptible to BPPV.
Make an appointment to discuss such issues with our experienced ENT doctors. A sign of severe benign paroxysmal positional vertigo or underlying issues can cause hearing loss. If you experience new or unusual hearing loss, be sure to seek prompt medical attention.
Make time for your health by scheduling necessary appointment. Now that Spring is here, be sure to visit and ENT if your allergies are affecting your quality of life. Get outside and enjoy the Florida sunshine!
Staff Writer
