Canalith Repositioning Procedure
Many people suffer in silence with a condition that does not receive much media attention: frequent dizziness and vertigo. Many of those who have this troublesome condition are elderly, and most of them accept it as a consequence of getting older. However, the problem is much more specific than general aging. Many people who have symptoms of frequent dizziness and vertigo suffer from a condition called Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), which accounts for almost half of the cases of dizziness experienced by the 50+ set.
Where BPPV Comes From
BPPV arises when debris accumulates in the inner ear. Much of this debris is often calcium carbonate crystals (canalith) that are formed by the utricle. The utricle has problems functioning after a person has had a head injury or infection, or when a person gets older. When the utricle malfunctions, crystals become lodged where they should not be, greatly affecting the sense of balance. BPPV causes lightheadedness in mild cases and nausea in more extreme cases. It can be triggered by even simple movements of the head, such as rolling over in bed or getting out of bed. Craning the neck to look up is another movement that can trigger dizziness in people who have BPPV. Yoga and Pilates have also been known to be problematic for people with BPPV.
Thankfully, doctors have done research and come up with a set of movements that can cure many cases of BPPV. The Canalith Repositioning Procedure does exactly what its title says; it repositions the “ear rocks” that cause people problems. The procedure should be done in the presence of a health care professional after a diagnosis of BPPV. Once the patient has mastered the movements, s/he can do them at home to alleviate his/her symptoms.
The Canalith Repositioning Procedure
Here is a brief version of the procedure, of which many versions are explained online:
1. The patient lays on a flat, rigid surface and turns the head slowly towards the affected ear, preferably with the head titled downward at an angle over the edge of the surface. With eyes open, the patient holds this position for 30 seconds.
2. The patient then rolls onto the other side and turns the head towards the unaffected ear, with head at downward angle, holds with eyes open for 30 seconds.
3. The patient sits upright slowly with head tilted downward towards the neck, holds for 30 seconds with eyes open.
4. Repeat if necessary 1-2 times.
Success With The Canalith Repositioning Procedure
After doing the Canalith Repositioning Procedure, patients still need to be cautious about sudden movements of the head. Many BPPV sufferers wear soft collars after doing the procedure to reinforce the idea of avoiding sudden movements or strenuous positions. Patients who avoid such movement often do not need to do the Canalith Repositioning Procedure again, and they tally a far lower rate of BPPV recurrence.
Where BPPV Comes From
BPPV arises when debris accumulates in the inner ear. Much of this debris is often calcium carbonate crystals (canalith) that are formed by the utricle. The utricle has problems functioning after a person has had a head injury or infection, or when a person gets older. When the utricle malfunctions, crystals become lodged where they should not be, greatly affecting the sense of balance. BPPV causes lightheadedness in mild cases and nausea in more extreme cases. It can be triggered by even simple movements of the head, such as rolling over in bed or getting out of bed. Craning the neck to look up is another movement that can trigger dizziness in people who have BPPV. Yoga and Pilates have also been known to be problematic for people with BPPV.
Thankfully, doctors have done research and come up with a set of movements that can cure many cases of BPPV. The Canalith Repositioning Procedure does exactly what its title says; it repositions the “ear rocks” that cause people problems. The procedure should be done in the presence of a health care professional after a diagnosis of BPPV. Once the patient has mastered the movements, s/he can do them at home to alleviate his/her symptoms.
The Canalith Repositioning Procedure
Here is a brief version of the procedure, of which many versions are explained online:
1. The patient lays on a flat, rigid surface and turns the head slowly towards the affected ear, preferably with the head titled downward at an angle over the edge of the surface. With eyes open, the patient holds this position for 30 seconds.
2. The patient then rolls onto the other side and turns the head towards the unaffected ear, with head at downward angle, holds with eyes open for 30 seconds.
3. The patient sits upright slowly with head tilted downward towards the neck, holds for 30 seconds with eyes open.
4. Repeat if necessary 1-2 times.
Success With The Canalith Repositioning Procedure
After doing the Canalith Repositioning Procedure, patients still need to be cautious about sudden movements of the head. Many BPPV sufferers wear soft collars after doing the procedure to reinforce the idea of avoiding sudden movements or strenuous positions. Patients who avoid such movement often do not need to do the Canalith Repositioning Procedure again, and they tally a far lower rate of BPPV recurrence.