Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common disorder among the causes of ear-related dizziness. It is thought to affect approximately one in every 1000 people. It is more common in women than men and causes complaints most frequently in the 30-50 age group. This situation, also called "crystal movement" or "crystal shifting", is caused by the tiny masses (chanaloliths) responsible for the perception of movement in the inner ear, in the balance organ. It is thought to be caused by its free movement within the semicircular canals. Although canaloliths are most commonly located in the posterior semicircular canal, they can also be seen in the lateral (side) and superior (superior) semicircular canals.
BPPV patients usually lie down with head movements. They complain of a dizziness that becomes evident in situations such as spinning on the ground or getting up from bed, and is usually activated by movement in a single direction. Vertigo occurs suddenly and usually lasts less than 1 minute. Although the beginning and end of the attacks are distinct, a feeling of imbalance – dizziness can be observed between attacks.
The diagnosis is usually based on the patient's history and the Dix-Hallpike. It is set with a maneuver called the /strong> manoeuvre. Videonystagmography is also one of the tools used for diagnosis.
While a significant portion of patients recover spontaneously, some benefit from treatment maneuvers called canalolith positioning maneuver (Epley maneuver). . More invasive or surgical treatments are needed in a very low percentage of patients.
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