DIZZINESSPart TwoBEGIN PAROXISMAL POSITIONAL VERTIGO
The benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is one of the most common form of dizziness in humans. These are short, recurring acute vertigo attacks that are position dependent and are triggered by changes in the position of the head. They may be accompanied by nausea and blurred vision. They lack neurological signs such as pupillary reaction disorders, speech disorders, dysphagia, motoric problems and paralysis as a sign of central disorder of the brain. Also missing are cochlear symptoms as hearing loss or tinnitus. This is important if you want to differentiate the benign paroxysmal positional vertigo from other forms of dizziness. The cause of the benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is in the region of the equilibrium organ of the inner ear. In a part of the equilibrium organ of the inner ear, the so-called vestibular organ, there are microscopic granules (otoliths) that move and stimulate the hair cells, also present in the vestibular organ, thus allowing us to perceive acceleration and gravitational force. Alterations of the otoliths during movement, for example with age as a result of natural degeneration or after trauma (head injuries), or due to the presence of small otolithic discharges, can trigger the symptoms of rotary dizziness during movement of the head. The benign paroxysmal positional vertigo typically manifests itself in brief and violent vertigo attacks, typically when sitting or lying down and sometimes even when moving the head fast. These usually occur with a latency (delay) of 20-30 sec after the change of the position of the head, accompanied by nystagmus (uncontrolled rhythmic movements of the eye). It is important to differentiate the benign paroxysmal positional vertigo from other diseases. Among them, especially the phobic dizziness (caused by fear) and Menièr’s disease. Although the benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is unpleasant, it is basically harmless and well treatable with positioning exercises. Dizziness drugs not only do not help but are even contraindicated in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo as they affect central nervous processes in the brain.