If you’ve ever experienced a feeling of spinning, you’ve experienced vertigo. Vertigo can have a number of underlying causes and can interfere with everyday life. At NYHD: Institute for Hearing and Balance, our Doctors of Audiology are specialists in the assessment and often the treatment of human vestibular system disorders. We can look at the possible causes and recommend the right course of action for you.

As vestibular audiologists, we know that balance is integral to a happy, healthy life where you’re independent and averse to injury. That’s why we recommend the latest in treatments for balance concerns and dizziness in New York City after performing a comprehensive patient assessment.

What is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo?

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is often described as a mechanical problem in the inner ear. Normally, the utricle in your inner ear houses tiny calcium carbonate crystals (otoliths) that are embedded in gel and help control balance. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo occurs when one of the otoliths dislodge from the gelatinous part and migrate into one of the semicircular canals (typically the posterior canal), where they are not supposed to be. Ultimately, when you move in certain positions or turn your head, these rogue crystals shift and interfere with normal fluid movement in the canals. This causes the inner ear to send false signals of movement to the brain, resulting in a feeling of spinning and dizziness.

What Are BPPV Symptoms?

At first, BPPV can occur with few or no symptoms. However, you may begin to notice symptoms like:

  • Severe dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Loss of balance
  • A feeling of spinning (especially when making head movements)
  • Vision problems
  • Hearing loss in the affected ear

Why is BPPV Treatment Important?

This inner ear disorder can be difficult to live with if untreated because it can affect your ability to move, respond, and sometimes even get out of bed. It is important to be assessed by a professional because BPPV can be caused by a head injury, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and migraines, all of which can be significantly impactful to your overall health. Additionally, BPPV can reoccur over time even if it goes away on its own, meaning it can be helpful to have the tools and information provided by our Doctors of Audiology in New York, NY. This can help prevent falls or injuries because of balance problems caused by BPPV. Moreover, since an episode of BPPV can come at any time, such as when you’re driving a car, it not only protects you but also the people around you.

Managing Your Balance When You Have BPPV

Vertigo is a common condition that causes you to feel dizzy or as though your head is spinning– even when there’s no outside cause. There are actually a few different types of vertigo, one of…

READ FULL BLOG POST

BPPV Treatment FAQs

Can Bppv make you feel ill?

Many patients with vertigo report nausea and even vomiting as a side effect of BPPV.

Does Bppv get worse over time?

BPPV symptoms can change and certainly get worse if not diagnosed and treated on a regular basis.

Can you still drive with BPPV?

People with BPPV who must drive on a regular basis are cautioned not to do so, as an episode of BPPV can cause harm to themselves and others on the road.

Does Bppv make you tired?

Lingering fatigue is a common symptom of BPPV.

Does Bppv run in families?

BPPV is believed to run in families.

How can I fix Bppv at home?

An exercise known as the home Epley maneuver can help treat BPPV. Your doctor can help explain this exercise to you to ensure you complete it safely.

How long does Bppv last for?

A majority of patients will see their BPPV symptoms subside within 1-3 months.

Can Bppv go away by itself?

Symptoms of BPPV can sometimes fade for months or even years at a time, but the underlying cause will not go away.

Can Bppv last for months?

Individual episodes of BPPV usually only last a minute or so, but can return at any time, even months or years between episodes.

Does Bppv go away?

BPPV will often go away without treatment over time, but will often require care from a medical professional.

What triggers BPPV episodes?

BPPV episodes are often triggered by sudden head movements, rolling over in bed, or looking up or down. These actions can dislodge calcium crystals in the inner ear, causing vertigo.

Can stress worsen BPPV symptoms?

While stress doesn’t directly cause BPPV, it can exacerbate symptoms by increasing tension and making it harder for the body to recover from episodes.

How is BPPV diagnosed?

BPPV is typically diagnosed through a clinical test called the Dix-Hallpike maneuver, which involves specific head and body movements to observe vertigo symptoms and eye movements.

Are there long-term complications of untreated BPPV?

Untreated BPPV can lead to persistent dizziness, increased risk of falls, and reduced quality of life due to fear of triggering episodes.

Can diet affect BPPV?

While no specific diet causes BPPV, maintaining adequate vitamin D levels may help reduce the risk of recurrence, as vitamin D plays a role in calcium metabolism.

See All

What Can I Expect at NYHD in New York, NY?

BPPV treatment begins with some quick and easy tests to determine what parts of your ears might be causing the spinning sensation. We assess this by performing a test called the Dix-Hallpike maneuver. This means that you sit on an examination table with your legs stretched out. You’ll then adjust your head position to about 45 degrees while the Doctor of Audiology helps you quickly lay down. This maneuver often triggers BPPV and, if you experience it, we can observe certain involuntary eye movements. From this, our Doctors of Audiology can usually judge which part of the inner ear might be affected by BPPV so that we can target your treatment accordingly.

Treatment for BPPV can include a couple of clinically accepted repositioning maneuvers performed in our private office, including the Semont Liberatory maneuver, Gans Repositioning maneuver, and the Epley-Herdman maneuver. These maneuvers restore the calcium carbonate crystals in the ear to their original space. In some cases, improving your vitamin D levels can help manage your symptoms and your body’s ability to process calcium. We can also refer you to a physical therapist if we believe it will help. One type of physical therapy, called vestibular rehabilitation, can be an effective option as well, and we can refer you to the right dizziness specialist. We recommend ear surgery (or posterior canal occlusion) for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo only in rare and specific cases – we’ll help you explore all possible treatment options during your appointment.

It’s important to know that these procedures are not permanent cures and that you may need ongoing treatment to manage your symptoms. Your Doctor of Audiology can recommend the best options for you during your vertigo treatment appointment.

“
"Very thoughtful and knowledgeable about the latest technology."
Read More Testimonials

Schedule a Consultation for Dizziness in New York City

BPPV can be difficult to live with, but our audiologists can help assess your symptoms, causes, and provide treatment and management options. Using these steps, we can make sure you have the tools you need to live a happy, healthy lifestyle without worrying about dizziness. To schedule an appointment with our Doctors of Audiology, contact our New York City office by calling (212) 784-6125 or filling out our online form.