I am so happy that there is now research to support BPPV without nystagmus!
I wrote an earlier blog about BPPV without nystagmus, called “Symptomatic BPPV.” The blog was about how I resolved complaints of vertigo in my patients who have symptoms of BPPV but no nystagmus, or no corresponding eye movements.
The patients had been told by other providers that BPPV could not be the cause of their symptoms because there was no nystagmus, but yet I was able to resolve their complaints with BPPV treatment.
This blog provides you with an update on this important concept.
When I was first trained in Vestibular Rehab in 2006, I was taught that the presence of nystagmus, or flickering eye movements, was the “gold standard” in diagnosing and treating BPPV.
So if I assessed a patient for vertigo without any visible eye movements, or nystagmus, in the test positions, I was lead to believe that it must be something else besides BPPV. I saw a fair number of patients like this and I was not sure what to do at that time.
In September 2010, I attended the first offering of the Advanced Vestibular Rehab course offered by APTA. I asked one of the instructors how to treat people who have vertigo in the test position for BPPV but no nystagmus.
I was told that it should still be treated as BPPV normally would based on their symptoms, and I could document it as “Symptomatic BPPV.”
Since then, I have had debates with a few colleagues who insist that the presence of nystagmus is necessary to assess for BPPV, but nonetheless I have gone on successfully treating and resolving complaints for many BPPV patients who had symptoms but no nystagmus.
Even though I knew my treatments were working, this topic was a source of disagreement with colleagues who were indoctrinated into the idea that nystagmus is the gold standard for diagnosing and treating BPPV.
In August of 2018, I attended the first ever International Conference for Vestibular Rehabilitation offered by the APTA and I was pleased that one of the international researchers started his talk by saying, “BPPV in the posterior canal often occurs without nystagmus due to the anatomy.”
I could hear an audible gasp in the room from many of my colleagues!
And my immediate reaction was a fist pump exclaiming, “Yes! Thank you!”
So I write this blog to share that my observations about symptomatic BPPV have now been confirmed in research findings, especially with regards to the posterior canal.
There are two take-home points from this blog.
First: If you are a patient who has symptoms consistent with BPPV but your healthcare provider did not treat you for BPPV because he or she didn’t see nystagmus, then I recommend for you to consult another provider who is aware of symptomatic BPPV and will provide proper treatments.
Second: Research often lags behind the clinical practice findings and techniques used by expert clinicians. Often, clinicians notice patterns and then researchers go about proving it by collecting data systematically over time. The research process takes years, sometimes even decades.
It is important for all clinicians to be familiar with research findings. But if you are a healthcare provider, don’t let the body of research limit what you are willing to try to help your patients!
To get help with your vertigo and BPPV, contact us.
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.
What about vertigo without nystagmus and only when rising to upright at conclusion of Supine Roll and Dix-Hallpike?
I get crazy dizziness when going prone and slight when rising from supine but PT insists “not BPPV” because when I’m lowered into the DX position for Supine Roll and D-H no vertigo or nystagmus. However, when I rise from Dix Hallpike (L or R) to upright seated position vertigo is severe but rather than rotational its a back and forth, pulsing sensation.
Only clue is sudden onset of symptoms after waking with very sore neck and dizziness upon rising. PT and ENT are baffled. VNG, MRI, Hearing all normal. Any ideas?
Hi Paul,
I am sorry to hear this! Vertigo does not always present classically as described in the textbooks.
I get a lot of new cases like yours which have baffled other healthcare providers, so I am used to hearing stories like this.
My suggestions are to look into these two possibilities, but of course I cannot say what is going on since I have not seen you in person.
Sitting up Vertigo
I suggest for you to print that article I linked above on “Sitting Up Vertigo” and bring it to your healthcare team for review. They may or may not find it helpful.
Next idea:
C1 atlas bone alignment issues can cause sore neck, dizziness, and pulsating sensations in your head. This is not a widely accepted theory among vestibular professionals, but I have been able to relieve my patients’ symptoms by identifying and addressing this issue.
If you want to find a provider who will be skilled to treat your C1 or atlas bone, you can search on this Directory.
Skills for C1 or atlas bone adjustments are considered advanced orthopedic physical therapy, and are not likely found within the skill set of a vestibular physical therapist.
I hope this information has been helpful!
Feel free to circle back here to let me know how it all turns out.
I been enduring vertigo, nystagmus, imbalance since 2015. Then in 2016 had anterior spinal fusion C3-4 & that resulted in more issues with dysphagia. Everyday is a struggle with eating, imbalance & can’t seem to find a doctor or treatment to help..
Hi Ernest,
I am so sorry to hear that!
Surgeries don’t often produce the results that we hope for…
If you have not already consulted a vestibular physical therapist, you can use this blog to search for one in your area.
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT