The way they explained it to me was, that there are chrystals in the inner ear,and there are 3 connecting canals attached to the inner ear. If these chrystals in the inner ear get dislodged,and separated,they float into these connecting canals,and will cause dizziness.

I have just started therapy for this, and its the weirdest thing I've ever gone through.I'll try to explain it as briefly as I can.

First,you sit on the edge of a table,they have you turn your head way to the left,and hold it there without moving it. Then,on the count of 3,the therapist has you swing your legs up on the table,then lie down quickly. She hold your head in that position for about 20 seconds,then has you sit up very quickly. The room really goes around at that point.

Then she has you do the same thing,only this time,you're lying on your back,with your head hanging over the edge. She actually shakes your head gently for about 20 seconds,then sit up quickly.

I have to do this once a week,for about 5 or 6 weeks.
Don't know if it will help or not,but its my only shot at it. The Neurologist that I went to said there is no medication for this,and they have had success with therapy for this. Of course,everyone is different,so may not work for everyone; sure hope it works for me.
Dotty

I have the same problem, but only with one ear. I have found that spending about two or three days laying on the couch with the bad ear up, fixes it up. The little crystals seem to float back into position. I am also very careful at that time not to turn my head to that side. I have learned (the hard way,LOL) that I need to do this as soon as possible after I start feeling that swirly feeling in my head.

I don't think that there is a perminant cure. but by doing this and watching how I hold my head when I am up during an attack, takes care of it. An anti-nausea pill such as Bodine or Dramimine will make me sleepy, but helps if the attack is bad enough to cause me to vomit.

I have a friend with the same problem. She went through all the tests and since only one ear was involved, her doctor told her to do the same thing.

A warning to anyone with a vertigo problem. You really MUST get the proper diagnosis for this. Other things, such as brain tumors, blockages, etc. can cause the same symptoms and it is so important to treat properly and promptly.

Good Luck with your therapy. I am interested in how it all comes out for you.
PB

Like I mentioned before, having my hair washed at the hair dressers,really makes me dizzy after I stand up, so I think from now on,I'm going to have to wash my own hair at home,in the shower,then go to the hair dressers to get it cut.

You sound like you have yours in control,and know what to do. I did have an MRI that ruled out brain tumor.Thank God for that.
Dotty

When I first started with it, the attacks came every couple of months. As I learned to take care of it quickly, there was an increase in the time in between attacks. I going to cross my fingers when I say this, but after a couple of years, they stopped. It's been a long time since I had problems. But I make it a point to sleep on the proper side just in case.

Let's hope you are as lucky.

It's not uncommon for women to have dizzy spells while they get their hair washed. It seems that the pressure of bending the neck back over the sink effects the nerves or blood supply or something, (I forget all the details) in the neck.

Check this link, and scroll down to:

HOME TREATMENT OF BPPV

These exercises were recommended by my Dr. So far they have always helped.

Warning: the first time, I could do the whole set only once, because of dizzyness.

Moni