For the diagnosis purpose the first step for the vertigo specialist will be to look at the physical symptoms before going for the test for further clarity and condition of the patient.
- The symptoms include sign of eye or head movements which tend to decrease in less than one minute.
- Dizziness caused by the eye movements once you lie down on your back and you turn your head to one side, and you lie down on the edge of the examination bed.
- Involuntary movements of eyes which moves from side to the other it is also called nystagmus
- You are unable to control your eye movements.
If all the above symptoms are difficult to assess than doctor will advise various test to confirm the disease and that includes.
Electronystagmography known as ‘ENG’ or videonystagmography which is ‘VNG’:
The objective of these tests is to confirm the abnormal eye movement. ENG is a machine that uses electrodes or another machine VNG that uses small cameras that can help see if the dizziness is caused by the inner ear disease it’s done by measuring of non-controllable eye movements once your head is placed in different positions and your balance of organs is stimulated with water or its air.
Magnetic resonance imaging also called ‘MRI’:
This is the most common test consists of a magnetic field and radio waves that gives a cross sectional pictures of your head and body. MRI is also performed to rule out any other possibilities than the vertigo itself. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo ‘BPPV’ may go away on its own within few days’ weeks or month but if you want to get relieve from BPPV anytime your doctor audiologist will advise you various movements and exercises that are known as the canalith repositioning procedure.
Canalith repositioning:
It is done inside the doctor’s clinic, the canalith repositioning procedure includes multiple simple and slow movements and maneuvers for positioning of your head. The objective is to move particles present in the fluid-filled semicircular canals inside your inner ear towards the tiny bag-like area which is open its also called (vestibule) it’s a place where the particles do not cause any trouble and they are easily absorbed inside.
One has to remain in a position at least 30 seconds once all symptoms or abnormal eye movements have stopped. This procedure takes one or two sittings with the doctor. Your doctor will guide you so that you can do it at home as well.
Surgical alternative, physical therapy, and home remedy:
If the above procedure does not work canalith repositioning your doctor may recommend you surgical procedure in it, we use a bone plug to close the portion of your inner ear that is the reason for dizziness. The success rate is more than 90 percent.
- Be cautious for losing your balance that may lead to falling and injury.
- Sit down once you feel dizzy.
- Use good lighting in night.
- Walk with a stick for stability.
Keep an eye on all your symptoms and tell it your doctor.
