Dizziness: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments
Do you suffer from sudden episodes of dizziness? We explain why it happens and how we can help you in clinic.
The most common type of dizziness is known as ‘Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo’ (BPPV). It is caused by small crystals moving from one part of the inner ear into another and disrupting the signals from your balance organ (the vestibular system) to your brain. This results in ‘mixed’ signals in the brain that no longer match with what your eyes are seeing, resulting in the feeling of dizziness or spinning.
Fortunately, BPPV is not a serious condition but can be incredibly disruptive to normal life. Episodes of dizziness can be triggered by simple movements such as moving your head too quickly or rolling over in bed. The episodes usually last a few minutes, can be quite severe and often patients will experience some nausea.
Luckily BPPV is also one of the easiest forms of dizziness to test for and to treat. A simple test called a Dix-Hallpike test is used to confirm you are suffering from BPPV, in which case this can then be treated with an Epley Maneuver. This type of treatment is over 95% effective in resolving BPPV and you could leave your appointment with your symptoms fully resolved. Our dizziness specialist, Joe Rudland, is fully trained in both diagnosing BPPV and performing the Epley maneuver.
Take 3 minutes out of your day to hear our Osteopath Joe explain why it happens and how we can help you in clinic: