The sensation of movement of yourself or your environment is termed vertigo and is one of the most common reasons that people visit a doctor. Many conditions can cause this dizziness or vertigo feeling. For example you could have light headedness or a more significant condition like a tumor. Among the most common causes that is called benign positional vertigo also known as bppv. This article will discuss treatment of this type of vertigo with vertigo exercises.

Unfortunately, it is common that this form of benign positional vertigo or bppv is often treated with medication. While medication may assist in decreasing the symptoms of the vertigo or associated nausea it does not address the root cause of the problem. We will discuss the cause of this type of vertigo, why drugs are not an effective solution and the role of vertigo exercises in your recovery.

The type of vertigo we are focusing on in this article is called benign positional vertigo. The theory behind the mechanism is believed to be loose particles or debris in the balance organs which are found in our inner ear. These are called semicircular canals and are filled with a fluid substance. Our movement will result in movement of the fluid which triggers hair like receptors which then send messages to our brain to inform us about our movement. The loose particles disrupt the receptors so they send incorrect signals to our brain and we feel too much movement and the result is the feeling of vertigo.

The answer to this condition is not drugs or medication we need something that will take away or remove the loose debris. This will not be done by drugs. What drugs will do is dampen or decrease your nervous system so you won’t feel as dizzy or as nauseous. The underlying problem of loose particle is still there but the symptoms are masked by a dampened nervous systems that is drugged up. The cause of the problem is still present with medication even if your symptoms may feel a little better.

The solution to fix the cause of the problem is vertigo exercises. Unfortunately, it is common that patients are given the wrong type of exercises or told how to do the correct exercises wrongly. Commonly patients are given what are called habituation exercises. Exercises that heavily stimulate your balance organs and which over time the goal is to create an habituation response where your system is stronger and better able to deal with the vertigo. Once again not really fixing the problem, but at least it is a natural attempt at dealing with the symptoms. This should be the second choice of vertigo exercises for people, but for some reason these are often given as the first choice.

There is a correct solution to this benign positional vertigo. There are specific vertigo exercises that reposition the particles or debris to a less sensitive area in the semi circular canals. In this position they will not affect the receptors so much. Now this option corrects the underlying problem of the loose debris and does not just cover up the symptoms. If done correctly the vertigo exercises are very safe and effective.

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