ASK KAREN: Vertigo and its treatment.
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Karen McNew
WSLS 10 Anchor
Published: October 1, 2008
QUESTION: I missed the WSLS story on vertigo and its treatment. Can you fill me in?
ANSWER: WSLS did feature a story from NBC about vertigo. According to the report, the most common cause of vertigo is called Benign Paroxysmal Position Vertigo, or BPPV. When crystals in the ears get displaced, the brain signals can get messed up, which can cause a dizzy feeling.
Dr. Geoffrey Harter with Jefferson Surgical Clinic says, “The crystals that are normally there become dislodged. It is usually something that happens spontaneously but can come with a head injury or whiplash injury.”
The story featured exercises to get those crystals to go back where they belong. You must make sure you are suffering from BPPV before doing the exercises, which a doctor can show you.
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Posted by ( Dr. S. ) on October 06, 2008 at 7:22 am
This is true, as I see a myriad of patients suffering with vertigo, and BPPV is the most prevalent cause. However, it is important to see a properly trained doctor/therapist when seeking treatment. Most doctors are not trained at all in treating this disorder, and, the treatment is not the same for each affliction, as we have 6 different canal systems in the vestibular labyrinth which can be affected. Treatment must be specific to the canal system afflicted. There are also many other causes of vertigo and the treatment for BPPV will just make you symptomatic if you have something else. More information on vertigo, dizziness, balance, and other neurologic conditions is available on my website at www.dcneuro.net.
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