Is This BPPV?

Ears, nose and throat
1

Hello. My name is Josh and I am 41 years old. For the past couple of years or so I have bouts of what I would call off balance/unsteadiness when I have been standing or walking. It happens when I move my head up or down or left to right. Almost feels like I am on a boat for a second. Each "episode" lasts for maybe one or two seconds. I have not had these episodes non-stop. They kind of come for several weeks and go away for several weeks.

I am never light-headed or feel like I am going to pass out. Just the off balance/unsteady feeling.

My blood pressure is fine. I have checked it multiple times both sitting and standing. So I cannot blame it on low blood pressure.

When I ready about BPPV, it really seems like what I am reading. Just curious if anyone else has or has had similar symptoms? I also suffer from anxiety, so maybe it could be that?

Josh

2

Josh, classic bppv usually involves true vertigo- the sensation that you or the room is spinning. It can manifest with head movements, especially rolling over in bed. There is an easy test the Dr can do on you to test for it (when you are going through a bout). The other thing to think about is cerviogenic dizziness- if you have neck problems, with the spine or muscles, that can be a source as well, especially when you say it comes with turning your head.

3

You need a doc to rule out any serious health issues first. Anything that can be life threatening. They usually do the basic ekg, cat scan, MRI all that stuff to make sure it's not a stroke, heart issue, tumor, etc. Make sure your not in danger first before you think bppv, menieres or any other illness.