FAQ’s

Do I have BPPV?

The easiest way to determine if you have BPPV is to review the following symptoms.

A) I have these symptoms:

• I am dizzy when I lay down, roll over or move my head certain ways

• The sensation I experience lasts only for a few minutes, but the nausea can last longer

B) These are not my primary symptoms:

• I get dizzy when I stand up too fast

• I have dizziness that lasts continuously all day and night

• I have hearing loss and noise in my ears when I am dizzy

• I have muscle weakness, numbness, confusion and problems speaking when I am dizzy

If your primary symptoms are listed in section B then you may not have BPPV and a physician should be consulted.

Which side do I have BPPV?

Since you have two ears, it is possible to have BPPV on your left side, right side, or both. Most people are aware which side is causing them problems because they get dizzy when they lie down on a certain side. If you are not sure which side is the problem then try this simple test. This test is best performed using the DizzyFIX device but can be done without.

With the DizzyFIX:

  1. While holding the device in your hand, move the particle to the left/yellow end of the tube.

  2. Put the hat on and tighten the chin strap.

  3. Lay down fast and turn your head to the left, at least 45°. If possible hang your head over the edge of the bed until the particle begins to move.

  4. When the particle enters the red zone on the tube you might experience dizziness. If this is the case you have a problem with your left ear.

  5. If this does not cause dizziness then try starting with the particle in the right/blue side and turning your head to the right when lying down.

Without using the DizzyFIX:

  1. Sit on your bed and turn your head to the left.

  2. Lay down as fast as you can, and keep your head turned to the left. If possible, hang your head over the edge of the bed.

  3. Wait for 30 seconds.

  4. If you get spinning dizziness your affected ear is the left ear.

  5. If this does not cause dizziness then try the same maneuver but turn your head to the right side when lying down.

How did I get BPPV?

There are three main reasons for BPPV 

a.         Increasing age predisposes you to get loose particles in the inner ear.

b.         Infections of the ear often cause these particles to come loose.

c.         Head trauma and car accidents are the main cause of BPPV in young people.

How long will episodes of BPPV last?

The episodes themselves can last up to several minutes each over a period of several months.  Most people get better spontaneously after months or years.  However, people who have a single episode of BPPV will likely have further episodes in their lifetime.

How can I do the maneuver when I get dizzy doing it?

The dizziness associated with BPPV lasts only a few seconds to minutes.  Most people can perform the maneuver despite their symptoms by waiting for the dizziness to pass before continuing on to the next step.  In order for the maneuver to work the steps have to be followed carefully. If you get dizzy during the maneuver, remain motionless until the vertigo passes, and then continue.

Is this very common?

Yes.  BPPV is the most common cause of dizziness related to the ear.  Approximately 3 million new people are diagnosed with BPPV per year in the United States.

Will it come back?

Unfortunately, this is very likely.  The recurrence rate is somewhere between 20% and 60%.  Fortunately, a good treatment exists.

Why does BPPV recur?

The maneuvers to treat BPPV do not permanently remove the particles that cause dizziness. These maneuvers simply relocate the particles to an area of the inner ear that does not cause vertigo.  However, after several months or years these particles can find their way back into areas of the inner ear that are problematic.

How can I reduce the chance of having it again?

There is very little which affects the recurrence rate of BPPV

Is there anything that makes BPPV worse or better?

Yes.  Stress and lack of sleep both make the symptoms worse.  Some people think a poor diet and alcohol intake also make the symptoms worse.

What are the crystals in the inner ear made of?

The “otoconia” crystals are primarily made up of calcium.  Although they are a normal part of the inner ear, they are not supposed to be free floating.

How often can I use the device?

It is not necessary to use the device if symptoms are not present, but it is not harmful either.  Most people use the device twice a day for several days or until the symptoms of BPPV stop. If your symptoms do not stop or other symptoms occur please check with your doctor.

What else can I do?

Medications like sedatives, antihistamines and anti-nauseants do help to a certain degree, but they will not cure your BPPV.  Visit your family doctor to rule out other causes of dizziness.  Time often helps people cope with dizziness.  BPPV resolves spontaneously in most people after a period of between 3 months to 2 years.  There is a surgical procedure for BPPV called “Posterior Semi-circular Canal Occlusion” but it involves drilling into the mastoid bone, which is the very thick bone behind the ear.  It has certain risks associated with it and should be considered akin to brain surgery.  Unless the symptoms are very severe this is not a reasonable option for most people.  Acupuncture, Chiropractic and Naturopathic treatments may have benefit, but this has yet to be quantified scientifically.