Benign Paroxysmal Positional Nystagmus

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Nystagmus

Article
Ear, Nose, & Throat (ENT)
Contributed byMaulik P. Purohit MD MPHMar 19, 2018

The topic Benign Paroxysmal Positional Nystagmus you are seeking is a synonym, or alternative name, or is closely related to the medical condition Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo.

Quick Summary:

  • Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is one of the common causes of vertigo
  • Vertigo is a sudden sensation of spinning; one may feel that they are spinning or they may feel that the space around them is spinning. The episodes of vertigo are characteristically caused by changes in the position of the head
  • BPPV is caused by a disorder of the inner ear vestibular system; the prime function of the vestibular system is to maintain balance. The semi-circular canals, in the vestibular system of the inner ear are fluid-filled canals that are responsible for detecting the body’s position and balance
  • Other structures in the inner ear are the utricle and saccule (otolith organs), which monitor the movements of head in relation to gravity
  • These otolith organs contain certain crystals, and these crystals for some unknown reason get dislodged and transported to one of the semicircular canals. This makes the semicircular canals sensitive to changes in the head position
  • Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo is usually experienced by individuals at the age of 60 years or older. There are no long-term complications of BPPV
  • The condition can be treated using the canalith repositioning procedure. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo may cause discomfort, but generally, treatment can help improve the symptoms over time
  • Currently, there is no effective prevention of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo 

Please find comprehensive information on Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo regarding definition, distribution, risk factors, causes, signs & symptoms, diagnosis, complications, treatment, prevention, prognosis, and additional useful information HERE.

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Maulik P. Purohit MD MPH

Assistant Medical Director, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team

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