Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) occurs when otoliths, or calcium deposits, in the inner ear become dislodged from their original position. This condition is commonly found in the elderly, whose inner ear deposits may become brittle and easily detached. It can also occur in individuals who have experienced severe head trauma or have chronic diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes, or certain types of ear disorders. The primary symptoms are sudden dizziness and vertigo when the head is moved quickly, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting in some people. These vertigo episodes are short but can recur several times throughout the day.
BPPV can resolve on its own over several months, but for some people with severe symptoms that affect daily life and work, treatment is crucial for quicker recovery. Physical therapy techniques such as the Brandt-Daroff exercises, the Epley maneuver, and the Semont maneuver are effective, improving symptoms by more than 80% after the first treatment. Continuous treatment is recommended until symptoms fully resolve, but if they persist, surgical intervention might be necessary.
BPPV can recur years later. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) addresses this condition with acupuncture, Tuina massage, and Chinese herbal medicine. These treatments aim to alleviate dizziness and nausea, improve blood circulation, restore balance to the affected organs, and strengthen the body to reduce the risk of recurrence of dislodged otoliths in the inner ear.
