Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo remains unfamiliar to most people, even when it affects about 1.6 percent of the US population each year. Nevertheless, it is among the leading causes of sickness, doctor consultations, and emergency room visits for many patients. Thousands seek remedies and relief options like the Epley Maneuver and upper cervical care in Sacramento to cope. 

If you have this condition, our list of BPPV facts below might come in handy in helping you figure out what steps to take to feel better. Our discussion includes symptoms to watch out for, options for Sacramento vertigo relief, and more. 

#1: BPPV is a Vestibular Disorder 

Have you ever heard of the vestibular system? Understanding how it works is the key to knowing how you can manage your BPPV symptoms and find a sustainable Sacramento vertigo relief. 

The vestibular system inside the ear helps your brain perceive balance and motion changes. It consists of the following parts: 

• Two membranous sacs (saccule and utricle) - Otherwise known as otolith organs, both the saccule and utricle detect changes to your movements. They also respond to gravity thanks to the presence of otoconia or calcium carbonate ear crystals.  

• Sensory organs - These hairlike structures detect head movement, allowing your brain to coordinate actions of your other body parts.

• Semicircular ducts - These organs detect acceleration and help you maintain your balance. Each semicircular canal contains fluids that move as you change your head's position.

• Vestibulocochlear nerve - Most doctors refer to it as the eighth cranial nerve. It's a sensory nerve that communicates information on equilibrium or motion changes to your brain.

When you have BPPV, your ear crystals or otoconia get dislodged from the membranous sac and migrate to other sections of the inner ear, such as the semicircular ducts. As a result, the crystals mess up the signals sent by your vestibular organs to the vestibulocochlear nerve. 

Each time you make sudden movements, your BPPV symptoms set in. It tricks your mind into detecting false motion. It also causes involuntary eye jerking, which further aggravates your ability to sense movement or balance changes. 

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and vertigo, download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.

#2: Ear Crystals Relocate Due to Injury and Other Factors 

Typically, the calcium carbonate ear crystals or otoconia stay inside the otolith organ. However, certain factors like previous neck or head injury, infection, or aging can cause small parts of the crystals to break off and migrate to places they shouldn’t be in. 

Because the calcium crystals disrupt communication between your brain and the vestibular system, it becomes difficult to detect actual head movements. Worst of all, the dislodged crystals can amplify the incorrect signals sent to the brain, making you experience spinning sensations when you roll your head, get out of bed or run. 

Fortunately, remedies like upper cervical care in Sacramento can help lessen the symptoms you experience. This allows you to enjoy a normal life, even when you have BPPV episodes. 

#3: BPPV Causes Many Symptoms, Not Just Vertigo

While most patients with BPPV seek Sacramento vertigo relief, it’s important to note that this vestibular disorder causes other symptoms. Some examples of which include:

• Drop attacks – Turmakin’s Otolithic Crisis or drop attacks causes sudden and spontaneous falls. Typically, an attack lasts no more than 15 seconds and increases one’s risk of getting injured. 
• Vomiting and nausea – These two are common symptoms of vestibular problems, including benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.
• Eye jerking (nystagmus) – Uncontrollable eye jerking often goes hand in hand with other BPPV symptoms. It affects your brain’s ability to sense motion changes, increasing the impact of your vertigo episodes. 

Thankfully, remedies like upper cervical care in Sacramento can help you cope with these symptoms. With many care options, you can still manage to work on tasks, work, or attend events without worrying about experiencing intense spinning sensations. 

#4: Epley Maneuver and Other Remedies Can Help BPPV Patients 

Patients diagnosed with BPPV usually seek various Sacramento vertigo relief options. One of the most popular options that patients try is the Epley Maneuver. It’s a technique that involves tilting the head to move the dislodged crystals and restore them to their original location. Other patients try remedies for BPPV, including:

• Trying the Brandt-Daroff exercise
• Finding effective stress management tactics
• Improving sleep patterns
• Trying tai-chi and yoga
• Keeping one’s self hydrated
• Reducing alcohol intake

#5: Upper Cervical Care is a Great Option for Sacramento Vertigo Relief

Besides the natural remedies listed above, you can also try upper cervical care in Sacramento to manage your BPPV symptoms. Upper cervical care is a unique approach to dealing with BPPV symptoms like vertigo and nystagmus. It involves gauging neck misalignments (which usually follow after a neck injury) and making necessary neck bone adjustments. 

When you have neck misalignment, your bones put undue pressure on your brainstem and nerve roots. This causes signal transmission disruption, which can aggravate your vertigo episodes. The misaligned neck bones – the C1 and C2 – can also affect fluid drainage, which could affect your vestibulocochlear nerves and trigger other problems such as ear congestion.

By fixing the bone misalignment, you can address the problems that contribute to worse BPPV episodes. It can also restore balance in your spinal column, helping you prevent the onset of other debilitating health concerns and speed up your recovery from a previous neck or head trauma.

Learn more about how upper cervical care can help you by consulting with Upper Cervical Chiropractic of Sacramento. You can reach us online or call us at 916-655-0569.

To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Gottlieb, call 916-655-0569, or just click the button below.

If you are outside of the local area, you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.