In our most recent blog, readers discovered valuable information on treating BPPV. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo can be treated with the help of our specialists at Orlando Hearing Center. Continue reading today to find out the home remedies that can easily be carried out with the approval of your ENT doctor.
Procedures used to treat vertigo:
Last time you dropped in, you read about the canalith repositioning procedure. This procedure is done only after a doctor has run enough tests to reach a vertigo diagnosis. If BPPV does not go away on its own within a few weeks, or even months, your treatment plan may consist of a canalith repositioning procedure.
It really is not as intimidating as it may sound. This procedure is performed at a doctor’s office. It involves a series of movements which helps the particles from the fluid-filled semicircular canals of the inner ear into a tiny baglike open area, or the vestibule.
The vestibule contains one of the otolith organs in the ear. Those particles do not cause trouble and are more easily resorbed. Each position is help for about thirty seconds, but you can read more about this in our last article.
There are also surgical options which may be necessary if the canalith repositioning procedure does not do the trick, but this is usually very rare circumstances. In this surgical procedure, a bone plug is used to block the portion of the inner ear that is responsible for the dizziness. The plug prevents the semicircular canal in the inner ear from being able to respond to particle movements and most head movements in general.
Tips for treating vertigo:
For those that experience dizziness associated with BPPV, consider the following tips:
- Use good lighting if you need to get out of bed at night
- walk with a cane for stability, especially if you are at-risk of falling
- sit down immediately when you feel dizzy
- avoid movements that bring on vertigo symptoms or do them slowly, such as looking up above you slowly
- be aware of the possibility of losing your balance as denying vertigo may lead to falling or serious injuries
- work closely with a doctor to manage symptoms effectively
- write down symptoms including when they start and how often they occur
- note any recent blows to the head including minor accidents or injuries, such as bumping your head on a door or chandelier
- make a list of your key medical information which includes any other conditions for which you are being treated and the names of any medications, vitamins, and supplements
- write down questions to ask the doctor as you think of them, so you have a thorough list of questions to discuss in your next visit
Questions for initial appointment:
Next week, we are sharing helpful questions you should get answers to in your initial appointment regarding vertigo. Be sure to join us next time!
With Memorial Day approaching, we would like to show respect and appreciation to our fallen veterans and current military members. Your families and loved ones are in our hearts during the upcoming holiday weekend.
Staff Writer
