Do you also feel like the world is spinning when you roll over in bed, or when you suddenly get up and turn your head? This dizziness, which lasts for a few seconds, is sometimes accompanied by vomiting. This is a really scary experience that many people experience. But don't worry, most of the time the cause is not serious. Today we are talking about a simple, but very effective, non-drug treatment for this.
Why does my head spin like this? To put it simply, BPPV...
This sudden dizziness is medically known as ``Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo'', or BPPV for short. Although the name is a bit complicated, the story is very simple.
Imagine, our inner ear has a very sensitive system that controls the balance of the body. Inside this system, there are tiny crystals made of calcium carbonate. We call these ``canaliths``. Normally, these are arranged in an orderly manner in the place where they should be, that is, in a part of the ear called the ``utricle``.
But, sometimes with age, due to a minor injury to the head, or for no reason at all, some of these little balls get loose from where they should be and end up in a nearby area called the semicircular canals. Now this is where the problem starts. A fluid inside these canals sends signals to the brain about the movements of our head. In addition, when the balls that have come in roll back and forth inside these canals, the movement of that fluid is disrupted, and even when the head is not moving, a false signal is sent to the brain as if the head is spinning rapidly .
Simply put, when you shake your head or roll over in bed, the balance signals going to your brain are disrupted by a few small pebbles in the wrong place. That's why you feel like the world is spinning.
What is the solution to this? (Canalith Repositioning Procedure)
The best and first treatment for this is called `(Canalith Repositioning Procedure - CRP)`. This is neither a medication nor a surgery. To be precise, this is a series of special exercises done with the help of a doctor. The purpose of this is to carefully move those small stones (`canaliths`) back to their proper place (`utricle`).
Of these `(CRP)` methods, the most well-known and successful method in the world is currently the Epley Maneuver . It has been found that this method provides immediate relief in about eight out of ten people with BPPV . That is why doctors often try this `(Epley maneuver)` first.
How is the Epley Maneuver performed?
This is something the doctor will guide you through. The entire process takes about 5 to 10 minutes. If it doesn't work in one go, you may have to do it several times. You may feel a little dizzy while doing this, but don't worry, it's normal.
Let's look at this step to understand it clearly.
| Step | How to do it (Description) |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | The doctor will have you sit on the examination table and turn your head about 45 degrees to the side of the ear that is causing the dizziness. |
| Step 2 | Next, you will be quickly laid back on the bed, keeping your head still. Here, your head will be slightly below the level of the bed. You may feel a little dizzy at this point. The doctor will ask you to stay in that position for 20-30 seconds. |
| Step 3 | Now, without raising your head, slowly turn your head to the other side. |
| Step 4 | Then, turn your whole body, including your head, to that side, and turn into a tilt. You have to stay like that for a while longer. |
| Step 5 | Finally, with the doctor's help, I slowly sit up again. |
Can I do this myself at home?
Yes, you can. If your symptoms come back, use it. Your doctor will tell you how to do it at home. You just have to sit on the edge of your bed and follow the steps exactly as your doctor tells you. For best results, you may be advised to do it about three times a day.
But remember, never try to do it yourself without learning from a doctor. Doing it incorrectly can make your symptoms worse.
Many people like to do this before bed because if you get a little dizzy after doing this, it will go away on its own during sleep.
What are the benefits and risks of this?
The biggest advantage of this treatment is that it is highly effective for BPPV . It also has very few risks.
However, if you have a neck or back problem, retinal detachment, or vascular disease, this procedure may not be suitable for you. Therefore, your doctor will review your complete medical history before performing the procedure.
After doing this, some people may feel things like this:
- Nausea
- Intense vertigo
- Vomiting (rarely)
Many people feel relief almost immediately after performing the Epley maneuver. For others, symptoms disappear completely after two to three days.
When do you want to see the doctor again?
If you do these exercises at home and your symptoms don't improve after a few days, be sure to see your doctor again . He or she can check if there are other causes for your dizziness. For example, ear infections or migraines can also cause dizziness. If necessary, your doctor can prescribe medication for nausea or dizziness.
How do you know which ear is causing the dizziness?
This is something that is difficult for you to figure out on your own. When your doctor examines you, he or she will perform a special test called the Dix-Hallpike maneuver. This will help determine whether your dizziness is coming from your right or left ear. Once you know that, you can decide which side to turn your head to during the Epley maneuver.
Also, remember, `(Canalith Repositioning Procedure - CRP)` is a common name. `(Epley maneuver)` is one of the well-known methods under it. There are also other methods called `(Semont maneuver)` and `(Brandt-Daroff maneuver)`. Your doctor will decide which method is best for you.
Take-Home Message
- BPPV is caused by small stones (canaliths) in the inner ear moving into the wrong place.
- The Epley Maneuver is a very effective, drug-free exercise method that repositions these vertebrae.
- This is very safe. But before doing it yourself at home, be sure to learn the correct method from a doctor.
- If your symptoms do not improve despite exercise, see your doctor again to see if there is another cause.
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