Stands for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, the most common vestibular disorder. “Benign” means it is not related to any disease process or pathology. “Paroxysmal” means it comes and goes. “Positional” means it is related to certain positions. “Vertigo” means a false sense of spinning, translating or tilting movement while the person is at rest or during otherwise normal head motion.
This is a mechanical problem in the inner ear that occurs when one or more otoconia dislodge from the utricle and travel via endolymphatic fluid into one of the semi-circular canals. There are two types of BPPV: canalithiasis and cupulolithiasis. To properly name BPPV, the side (right or left), the canal (anterior, posterior or horizontal) and the type (canalithiasis or cupulolithiasis) must be included.
Disclaimer
This blog is provided for informational purposes only. The content and any comments by Dr. Kim Bell, DPT are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The details of any case mentioned in this post represent a typical patient that Dr. Bell might see and do not describe the circumstances of a specific individual.
