Last week, I wrote about how I was dealing with a case of vertigo that came on for no apparent reason. I would get dizzy whenever I was lying on my left side or looking up. The dizzy sensation would last for about 15 seconds, and it would be difficult to walk a straight line while the sensation was occurring. These symptoms are common with a condition called BPPV, or benign paroxysmal position vertigo.
I had started some Brandt-Daroff exercises for vertigo, but it was difficult to perform the exercises regularly because the dizziness would be so bad. I could barely bring myself to do the exercises - the feeling of the room spinning and the nausea that came with it was pretty terrible.
I happen to work in a building with a group of doctors who specialize in ear, nose, and throat problems. One doctor in particular is an expert in the evaluation and treatment of balance related disorders. I went up to his office, and he was able to perform the Epley maneuver. The Epley is a special maneuver that is designed to help "put your vestibular sludge" (his words, not mine) back into place.
I was surprised when I awoke the next morning and my dizziness had decreased significantly. I was not able to elicit the spinning feeling with any position. I felt a little woozy, but no dizziness. Two days after the Epley, my symptoms had cleared. I hope they never return.
