Have you ever sat up in bed with a sudden onset of dizziness? Do you feel as if the room is spinning? ” Does it last just a few seconds or a few minutes, then go away?
If you experience these symptoms, you could have what is called “BPPV: Benign Proximal Positional Vertigo.” BPPV is a common occurrence as we get older because we do not participate in the same movements we did when we were young; like swinging in a swing, rolling, jumping or quick turning.
Those activities keep our inner ear functions healthy because they keep an active flow of fluid thru the semi-circular canals of our ear. This flow of fluid is necessary to tell our brains where our body is in space and keep our balance.
As we get older and do less of the active movements we used to do, the flow of fluids through the semi-circular canals slows down. As the flow slows down, crystals can form in the canals and get stuck on the side. When fluids flow over these crystals, it creates a ‘blip’ in the flow and gives us that dizzy sensation.
The treatment of BPPV can be performed by a manual manipulation by a Physical Therapist for more severe cases. However, you can try a simple movement pattern at home and see if you can dislodge the crystals by increasing the flow of fluids in these canals. These crystals, once dislodged will be reabsorbed by the body. You can also prevent the formation of crystals in your future by doing the same movements every day.
Follow these instructions:
• Lie down on your bed
• Position yourself lying on your right side at the edge of your bed.
• Now, roll quickly from your right side to your left side in one continuous move almost like you are spinning. Keep your chin up and head back as you move. Always keep your eyes open.
• Hold this position on your left side. If you feel dizzy, just wait until it passes keeping your eyes open.
• Now roll back quickly to the right side and hold that position. Assess your dizziness again.
• Repeat this pattern 6 times. Each time, your dizziness should get a little less.
• Roll in the morning and again when you go to bed at night.
• Rolling in bed is a great way to start your day. It gets the fluids moving in your inner ear and can decrease and even alleviate BPPV symptoms completely. Roll in the evening before you go to bed also.
Any kind of dizziness puts you at an increased risk for a fall. So finding a way to keep dizziness away can keep you in better balance for life. Happy Rolling!
Tami Peavy, MPT is a physical therapist and rehabilitation specialist with over 15 years experience in clinical practice. She designs practical physical therapy video programs to use in your home on DVD format to improve strength, balance and reverse aging. www.practicaltherapy4u.com
