The world is spinning~ spinning~ I learned about dizziness and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo~

Four symptoms of dizziness

Director Lee Mi-jeong of Gangnam Sacred Heart Neurology said, "Recently, there has been an increase in patients visiting the neurology department for dizziness or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, so these conditions have become common illnesses." She added, "In fact, aside from hospital visits, about 20% of adults experience dizziness at least once a year, with women experiencing it more than twice as often as men, and symptoms become more common as people age."

There are four main symptoms of dizziness. The first, 'vertigo,' refers to a spinning sensation of the surroundings and is caused by issues in the inner ear (ear) and the central nervous system (brain).

In the case of dizziness, it refers to a brief feeling of lightheadedness when standing up after sitting or lying down, which can be caused by excessive intake of hypertension medication, heart function abnormalities, constitutional hypotension in healthy young women, or autonomic nervous system dysfunction in the elderly.

Psychological dizziness caused by psychological issues such as anxiety and depression is accompanied by not only dizziness but also various physical symptoms.

The final type, 'gait disturbance,' occurs when a person does not feel dizziness while lying down or sitting, but experiences unsteady or staggering movements when standing or walking, primarily caused by abnormalities in the cerebellum and motor nervous system.

The main cause of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is stress.

The official name of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is "Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo," which is a condition caused when otoliths in our ear fall into the semicircular canals.

As the name suggests, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is characterized primarily by vertigo in the form of dizziness. It can be described as feeling like continuously riding a carousel or similar amusement ride. BPPV may also be accompanied by symptoms such as nystagmus (eye tremors), loss of balance, nausea, vomiting, cold sweats, and headaches.

The exact cause of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is not yet known, but stress, overwork, chronic fatigue, and degenerative changes can be considered as causes. Many cases of BPPV are mistaken for other conditions, leading to missed treatment opportunities. Director Lee Jeong-jeong states, "When treating patients, many cases are self-diagnosed as anemia or orthostatic hypotension, and they come to the hospital," and "Some patients have taken anemia medication in advance but saw no improvement, so they come in, and others think they are dizzy because of indigestion and undergo endoscopy."

Therefore, if sudden dizziness occurs, it is best to see a nearby neurology specialist for an examination. Since benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is prone to recurrence, it is crucial to receive proper diagnosis and treatment at a medical facility. Most cases develop acutely and symptoms can improve with treatment. Additionally, dizziness can sometimes be caused by central nervous system issues such as stroke, so it is essential to consult a neurology specialist.

◆ How to treat and prevent benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)?

The most commonly used treatment for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is physical therapy that involves repositioning the calcium crystals inside the semicircular canals to their original location. The most widely used method currently is the Epley maneuver. This treatment involves changing the head position while lying down to guide the crystals back to their proper place along the semicircular canal. Additionally, the treatment method may vary depending on the type of crystals.

To prevent benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and dizziness, the first step is to manage stress. Stress and overwork weaken the immune system and trigger inflammatory responses, increasing the risk of developing BPPV. Additionally, excessive secretion of stress hormones like cortisol can cause hormonal changes in the body, leading to problems with vestibular function.