BENIGN POSITIONAL VERTIGO

Benign Positional Vertigo (BPV)

Definition: Benign positional vertigo (BPV) is a condition characterized by brief but intense episodes of vertigo triggered by specific head movements.

Types:

1. Lateral Semicircular Canal (LSCC) Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): This is the most common type of BPV, involving the lateral semicircular canal of the inner ear.
2. Anterior Canal BPPV: This type affects the anterior semicircular canal.
3. Posterior Canal BPPV: This type affects the posterior semicircular canal.

Causes:

1. Trauma: Head injury or sudden head movement can cause crystals in the inner ear to become dislodged and cause BPV.
2. Aging: As people age, the crystals in the inner ear can become loose and cause BPV.
3. Inner ear problems: Abnormalities in the inner ear, such as a benign tumor, can cause BPV.

Pathology:

1. Crystals in the inner ear: The inner ear contains tiny crystals called otoconia that help with balance.
2. Dislodged crystals: When the crystals become dislodged, they can cause the inner ear to send false signals to the brain, leading to vertigo.
3. Inner ear inflammation: Inflammation in the inner ear can cause BPV.

Clinical Features:

1. Vertigo: The primary symptom of BPV is brief but intense episodes of vertigo.
2. Nystagmus: Patients may experience nystagmus, an involuntary movement of the eyes.
3. Dizziness: Patients may also experience dizziness or lightheadedness.
4. Headaches: Some patients may experience headaches.

Investigations:

1. Physical examination: A thorough physical examination, including a Dix-Hallpike maneuver, can help diagnose BPV.
2. Imaging studies: Imaging studies, such as MRI or CT scans, may be ordered to rule out other conditions.
3. Vestibular function tests: These tests can help assess the function of the vestibular system.

Complications:

1. Chronic vertigo: If left untreated, BPV can lead to chronic vertigo.
2. Inner ear damage: Repeated episodes of BPV can cause damage to the inner ear.
3. Depression: The constant fear of vertigo can lead to depression.

Management:

1. Epley maneuver: This is a series of head movements that can help move the crystals back into place.
2. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy: This type of therapy can help improve balance and reduce vertigo.
3. Medications: In some cases, medications such as antihistamines or anti-nausea medications may be prescribed.

Homoeopathic Therapeutics:

1. Calcarea carbonica: This remedy is often used to treat vertigo caused by inner ear problems.
2. Pulsatilla: This remedy is often used to treat vertigo caused by hormonal changes.
3. Arsenicum album: This remedy is often used to treat vertigo caused by anxiety or fear.
4. Lycopodium: This remedy is often used to treat vertigo caused by digestive problems.
5. Nux vomica: This remedy is often used to treat vertigo caused by overexertion.
6. Gelsemium: This remedy is often used to treat vertigo caused by fatigue.
7. Hydrastis: This remedy is often used to treat vertigo caused by eye problems.
8. Causticum: This remedy is often used to treat vertigo caused by emotional disturbances.
9. Phosphorus: This remedy is often used to treat vertigo caused by head injuries.
10. Silica: This remedy is often used to treat vertigo caused by sinus problems.