To understand why our Toronto Benign Positional Vertigo treatment programs are so effective, it is first necessary to explain what causes Benign Positional Vertigo (AKA Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo or BPPV).
In addition to hearing, one of the jobs of your ears’ vestibular system is to tell you how you are moving. The vestibular system is located in your inner ear. It has a number of sensory organs to tell you how you are moving and how fast. One such group of sensory organs are called “Semi-circular Canals.” These are seen in the picture.
When changing position, such as turning in bed or getting up from bed, people who have BPPV will feel like they are spinning or the room around them is turning. This feeling is known as “Vertigo.” The spinning usually lasts for less than a minute. But afterwards, they can feel dizzy or off balance for much longer. In BPPV very small crystals, called “Otoconia” (seen in the picture), accidentally drop into one of the semi-circular canals. This confuses the sensory organs and makes the person feel like they are spinning when they really are not.
Our Toronto Benign Positional Vertigo treatment programs start off with an assessment to find where these trapped Otoconia have gone. This could be in either ear and in any one of the three semi-circular canals located in each ear. To find out, Paul will carry out tests (i.e. “Dix-Hallpike Test,” seen below, or the “Roll Test”).
In addition, the otoconia can be free floating,orthey can be “stuck” on the sensors in your inner ear. Paul is able to determine this by the pattern of movement your eyes make while you are being tested. Based on what Paul sees, he will then select the most appropriate maneuvers (e.g. the Epley’s maneuver, Semont maneuver, BBQ roll, etc.) that work best for your pattern and condition. If done properly, this will get the crystals to go back to where they should be, and stop you experiencing vertigo and dizziness.
Paul’s advanced VRT training and certification makes him much more effective at knowing the patterns to look for and the most appropriate Benign Positional Vertigo treatment to select.
