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Dizziness

Aging Well | Last Active: Jun 17, 2023 | Replies (37)

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@brandysparks

Wow! I was diagnosed with BPPV a few years ago by my wonderful PCP.

Never had anything like it before (I'm 66), but it came on as if I'd had too much to drink (which I hadn't had ANYTHING to drink or otherwise! 🙂 ) - but the bed was spinning when I laid down to try to compose myself. As I recall it lasted a day or so until I could see my doctor (pre-COVID), who performed what is called the "Epley Maneuver".

Inner ear fluid gets into an inner ear chamber (in the wrong place) somehow, and dizziness, spinning ensues. Wow! He did the Epley Maneuver in the office, I felt better, and he told me what I could do at home for a few days to manage it. (Basically, it's lying on your back, turning to one side of your head - which one is related to the side the fluid is on - and holding it there for 30 sec as I recall.)

Very simple maneuver, but do follow a Dr's instructions and/or look up BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo) on the Mayo site here: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vertigo/symptoms-causes/syc-20370055.

The Epley Maneuver is also described here: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17930-canalith-repositioning-procedure-crp

Mayo Clinic folks/mentors may be able to direct you more specifically to the Mayo Clinic resources, site & info available.

It was about 3 - 5 years ago, and it hasn't returned to my knowledge since that episode (at least not in the form of the room spinning, a most disorienting sensation!)

Best wishes.

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Replies to "Wow! I was diagnosed with BPPV a few years ago by my wonderful PCP. Never had..."

I, too, get BPPV, and when I do, I’m off to PT. I’m 74, and had therapy this week for the first time in several years.

Please schedule an appt with vestibular therapy, and be evaluated. It is quick, cheap, and solvable. If it isn’t the problem, they will know without extensive testing.