Understanding Crystal Disease (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo):
What is Crystal Disease:
- Crystal disease, also known as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), is a common type of dizziness caused by loose calcium crystals in the inner ear’s balance organs.
- These crystals, when displaced, lead to feelings of intense dizziness when the head is moved in specific ways.
Causes of Crystal Disease:
- The inner ear’s balance organs contain small calcium crystals within jelly-like structures.
- When these crystals come loose and end up in the wrong place due to reasons like a blow to the head, concussion, viral infection, or age-related changes, they interfere with the signals sent to the brain about head position and movement.
Symptoms of Crystal Disease:
- Crystal disease manifests as bouts of dizziness, often described as feeling like the room is spinning.
- Symptoms commonly occur in the morning, triggered by movements like sitting up or turning in bed.
- Dizziness lasts for a few seconds to half a minute and may cause nausea, difficulty walking, and involuntary eye movements.
Self-Care for Crystal Disease:
- Crystal disease often resolves on its own within weeks without causing long-term issues.
- Certain exercises can help reposition the crystals and alleviate symptoms.
- Gazing at a distant fixed point or closing the eyes can help manage symptoms.
Treatment for Crystal Disease:
- Treatment involves specific head movements to guide the displaced crystals back into place.
- A physiotherapist or doctor may provide a program of movements to perform at home.
- Treatment can also be administered at a healthcare facility, where systematic head movements are performed, or through specialized equipment like a rotating chair.
When to Seek Medical Attention:
- Seek medical care if:
- Dizziness occurs upon head movement to rule out other causes.
- Symptoms persist despite a prescribed exercise program for two weeks.
- In emergencies, call 112 if you experience sudden dizziness along with other symptoms like headache, neck pain, difficulty swallowing or talking, double vision, facial stiffness, confusion, weakness, or numbness on one side of the body. Also, if dizziness is accompanied by vomiting and difficulty moving.