BPPV - will it cure over time, on its own?

Ears, nose and throat
1

Hi guys - I saw an ENT specialist today after acute vertigo onset 5 days ago and he unequivocally diagnosed the condition as BPPV.

He isolated the problem to right-side of the body as the (dominant) side responsible for triggering the vertigo episodes using the Dix Hallpike method, but as I reacted so harshly to the procedure, we both decided that the Epley manoeuvre would best be left for a later date - or to forgo entirely.

I am angry and disappointed with myself, but I would struggle to find words fitting enough to describe how uncomfortable and severe the vertigo sensation was whilst in the Dix Hallpike position.

The doc assured me that the calcium crystals will sort themselves out and the vertigo will subside eventually, but that it can take up to 2-3 months even.

I don’t see much evidence corroborating this online though, so I’m not convinced the BPPV will rectify itself left unattended. Everything I read online suggests that the Epley manoeuvre is an absolute must and pretty much the only solution, which is really disheartening for me.

Does anyone have experience letting their BPPV vertigo symptoms rectify themselves without conducting the Epley manoeuvres?

Thank you all in advance!

Nicki

2

I shouldn’t have used the word “cure” in my title - I meant “abate”

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Anyone out there???

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Hi Nick
I have just been diagnosed with BPPV by my GP. I have not seen him so have not had the Dix Hallpike position or Epley manoeuvre. My GP had prescribed Cyclizine tablets to help with the vertigo nausea. He has now prescribed Prochlorperazine Maleate which I am yet to take. He has also given me exercises to do which are the Brand Daroff Excercise. Hope this information helps you to get treatment.
Here is the link to the exercise https://www.wsh.nhs.uk/CMS-Documents/Patient-leaflets/ENT/6331-1-Brandt-Daroff-Exercises.pdf

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I have had bpv for about 4-5 years. My episodes are seasonal. Usually March/April and then again Sept/October.

I have only gone once for help. All of the other episodes did infact stop on their own. It certainly was a slow process, but they did end. . I always knew which ear was affected, and would avoid certain movements

Interesting fact for me*

Back in December 2019, I found out that my vit d leveI was very low, so I started take Vit D3, Since that date, I have not had an episode. That means I did not have the 2 episodes in 2020, and I have not had one this spring yet