Benign Positional Paroxysmal Vertigo(BPPV)

Overview.

Benign Positional Paroxysmal Vertigo(BPPV) is a disorder arising from a problem in the inner ear. It is one of the most common causes of vertigo which is a sensation in which you feel like you're spinning. It is usually triggered by changes in your head's position.

Benign Positional Paroxysmal Vertigo is not life-threatening in most people and can be treated with therapy.

It usually resolves in days to months but may recur in some people. 

Cause.

On the utricle, a sensory organ in our inner ear, there are collections of tiny calcium crystals known as otoconia or otoliths. 

If the otoconia are dislodged from their normal position, they are able to migrate to other parts of the inner ear such as the semicircular canals(the posterior semicircular canals are most affected).

When the person's head is tilted relative to gravity, the otoconical debris within the affected semicircular canals causes abnormal fluid flow thus causing a sensation of vertigo and nystagamus('jumping eyes').

Signs and symptoms.

The signs and symptoms of Benign Positional Paroxysmal Vertigo may include:

• Dizziness
• Spinning sensation(vertigo)
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Nystagamus(eyes continously move back and forth)
• Loss of balance

What triggers BPPV?

• Following head trauma.
• Tilting your head.
• Looking up or down.
• Rolling in bed.

BPPV can be made worse by stress, lack of sleep and many more conditions.

What if I have BPPV?

If in any case, you have BPPV, don't worry a lot. Seek medical attention and follow the doctor's advice and all will be well. 

What should I eat?

According to a study conducted, you should try to reduce the intake of fats and carbohydrates and increase fiber intake so as to minimize harmful effects on your inner ear.

DO NOT EAT:

• Avoid taking in foods and drinks with high sugar or salt content.
• Avoid caffeine intake.
• Limit or completely avoid alcohol consumption.
• Restrict nicotine/smoking intake.
• Avoid foods rich in fat such as popcorn.
• Avoid foods rich in carbohydrates such as bread and other pastries.
• Avoid foods such as meat, wine, bananas and citrus fruits(lemon, lime and many more) as they are migraine triggers.

DO EAT:

• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Ginger may ease your nausea and vomiting symptoms.
• Eat plenty of tomatoes as they may help to remove excess fluids in your body and may help reduce dizziness.
• Foods rich in Vitamin B and Magnesium help restore nerve damage and improve your blood circulation.

Remember that even if you follow a diet, you should still rely on your doctor's advice and follow them strictly.