Hi Sharon,
I've never had VN so don't know much about that. I have, however, had three attacks of BPPV, and I do know that doctors - including many ENT specialists - tend to confuse the different vestibular disorders.
As you probably know, BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo) is caused by the crystals in your inner ear getting into the wrong place and sending wrong information to the brain about the position of your head.
It typically manifests by a sudden attack of a violent spinning sensation when turning over in bed, lying down or standing from a recumbent position. The vertigo, during which your surroundings seem to spin, and sometimes accompanied by a feeling in your stomach as if you're falling (even when lying down) lasts a few seconds. Thereafter you find that every time you tilt your head into a certain position these brief attacks of spinning recur, and you may lose your balance completely and fall over. In between attacks of actual vertigo, you tend to feel a bit seasick and unsteady, as if the ground won't keep still under your feet.
Untreated, BPPV wears off in a year or so, as the errant crystals get naturally dissolved. Most of the literature says two months maximum, but I know from experience - as do many other posters on here - that that's a bit optimistic!
You can get it in both ears at the same time, but you'd have to be very unlucky for that to happen. My reason for bringing this up is that your post seems to be saying that you get vertigo when turning to either side. Normally BPPV only affects one ear at a time, so this would be unusual, and might indicate another diagnosis.
The first time I had it - 25 years ago - I consulted an ENT doctor, who did all kinds of unpleasant, and I now know unnecessary, tests before diagnosing BPPV. He attempted some kind of manoeuvre which made everything temporarily much worse, with the result I threw up in his consulting room. After that it took about a year for the condition to completely resolve, though it started improving after 3-4 months.
The second attack - in the other ear - started 14 months ago and lasted two months. This time my GP referred me to a specialist vestibular physiotherapist, who cured me in a few minutes by performing the Epley manoeuvre.
I nipped the third attack in the bud about six months ago - swapping ears yet again. The dentist was using the old-fashioned, low-speed drill for a particular job and I immediately started getting vertigo. I then remembered that this was how the first attack started, 25 years ago, and immediately stopped the procedure. The vertigo cleared up after about a week this time. Low-frequency vibrations can trigger BPPV in some individuals. A couple of people on here have even reported getting it after starting to use an electric toothbrush. A blow to the head may dislodge the crystals too, but in most cases there's no identifiable cause.
I have to say that from your description - apart from the fact it started when you turned over in bed - it doesn't sound like typical BPPV, as it seems to be affecting both sides. However, the average vestibular therapist tends to be much more knowledgeable about vestibular issues than most ENT doctors. The important thing is that it's improving. Both VN and BPPV will eventually clear up spontaneously.
If the improvement doesn't continue, you might want to consider seeing a neurotologist (as opposed to a neurologist). They're the ultimate experts on diagnosing and treating vestibular disorders.
Just one word of warning. You might find instructions on-line about doing the Epley manoeuvre on yourself. Don't be tempted. It's a very precise manoeuvre that should only be carried out by, or under the supervision of, an experienced practitioner. You can make yourself feel terrible if you get it wrong, though the ill-effects only last a few hours.
I'm now absolutely fine after my three attacks of BPPV - two in the left ear, one in the right. I'm sure former VN sufferers will come in with equally reassuring stories.
