Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, or BPPV, is a type of vertigo that causes the sensation of spinning even when you are not actually moving. It is a specific type of vertigo that can be caused by a small piece of calcium crystal that has broken off and is now interfering with the little hairs in the inner ear, which control equilibrium and keep things balanced. This condition is the number one cause of dizziness and is not considered dangerous. In this article, Dr. Berg explains what causes BPPV, how to figure out if you have it, and what you can do about it.
What causes vertigo?
Vertigo is often caused by problems in the inner ear. In the case of BPPV, it is caused by a small piece of calcium crystal that has broken off and is now floating in the canals of the inner ear, interfering with the little hairs that control equilibrium and balance. This gives the sensation that you are moving or spinning when you are actually still.
The Dix-Hallpike test:
The first step in figuring out if you have BPPV is to determine which side it is coming from. This can be done using the Dix-Hallpike test. To perform this test, lie down on your bed or a table with a pillow underneath your upper back to tilt your head back 30 degrees over the horizontal. Next, turn your head to the right about 45 degrees. If you have BPPV, you may experience nystagmus, which is a condition where your eyes move back and forth horizontally, vertically, or rotate. If you experience nystagmus and dizziness, there is a good chance that you have BPPV. Repeat the same procedure on the left side to determine which side is affected.
The Epley maneuver:
Once you have determined which side is affected, the next step is to perform the Epley maneuver, which is a treatment that can help move the calcium crystal out of the canal. If you have BPPV on the right side, you will perform this maneuver on the right side.
- Step 1: Turn your head to the affected side (right) about 45 degrees and extend it about 30 degrees. Hold this position for one minute.
- Step 2: Turn your head to the opposite side (left) about 45 degrees and hold for one minute.
- Step 3: Roll on your shoulder while maintaining your chin tucked down to your shoulder, and look downward at a 45-degree angle. Hold this position for 30 seconds to allow the calcium crystal to move through the canal.
- Step 4: Sit up with your head still rotated and chin tucked towards the shoulder. Slowly rotate your head back to normal.
This maneuver should only be done once a day, and you should keep doing it until your symptoms improve.
The #1 Vitamin Deficiency Behind Vertigo | Dr.Berg
What causes calcium crystals to break off?
Exploring the Link Between Vitamin Deficiency and Vertigo
Calcium crystals, specifically in the inner ear, can be caused by a variety of factors. One major factor is vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D helps in calcium absorption and transportation, and studies have found that vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of BPPV. However, there is a genetic component to bppv, and some people may have normal vitamin D levels in their blood but not in their tissues due to a downgraded receptor. Therefore, Dr. Berg recommends to take vitamin D and vitamin K2 to transport calcium out of soft tissue. To do this, take a weekly dose of 50,000 IUs of vitamin D3 and 500 micrograms of K2 MK7.
The Bottom Line
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, or BPPV, is a common condition that causes dizziness and the sensation of spinning, even when you are not moving. It is caused by a small piece of calcium crystal that has broken off and is interfering with the little hairs in the inner ear that control equilibrium and balance. The Dix-Hallpike test can help determine which side is affected, and the Epley maneuver can help move the calcium crystal out of the canal. Vitamin D deficiency is one of the major factors that can cause calcium crystals to break off, and taking a weekly dose of 50,000 IUs of vitamin D3 and 500 micrograms of K2 MK7 can help transport calcium out of soft tissue. BPPV is not considered dangerous, and with the right treatment, most people can overcome it and resume their normal activities.