BPPV
(Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo) is the most common type of inner ear problem, comprising
approximately 25% of all inner ear problems. It is caused when crystals in the
ear that are supposed to sit on top of the nerve fibers in a jelly like matrix,
become loose and start floating in the semi-circular canals of the ear. When
this happens, the person can experience a spinning sensation (vertigo) that
lasts for seconds and is triggered by changes in head or body position. For
instance, it happens when getting in/out of bed, bending over, or tipping your
head back.
In answer to the question, “Can people have BPPV in both ears?” the answer is
YES. About 40% of people can have it in both ears at the same time. The good
news is that if the condition does not go away on its own, it can be treated
with maneuvers to guide the crystals back into the part of the ear where they
belong.
If you think you have BPPV, I encourage you to find a qualified doctor or
physical therapist, who can test to see if BPPV is your problem, and if it is
in one ear or both ears. The proper testing leads to the proper treatment, and
to the proper cure…
Painting entitled, A Serious Question, by Sergey Solomko
