Vertigo and dizziness are one of the most common reasons for consultation and referral to specialist care. Vertigo is categorized as a sensation of whirling and loss of balance, associated particularly with looking down from a great height, or caused by disease affecting the inner ear or the vestibular nerve. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is one of the most common causes of vertigo. BPPV occurs when tiny calcium particles (canaliths) clump up in canals of the inner ear. The inner ear sends signals to the brain about head and body movements relative to gravity. Thus when the signal is interrupted, it will lead to BPPV.
A 33-year-old female with BPPV presented to her chiropractor following a failed Epley maneuver, which is performed by the patient’s otolaryngologist (ENT) to help alleviate the symptoms of BPPV. She was prescribed medication, but refused to take it because she was nursing.
Chiropractic care of the patient began during the patient’s most severe episode of BPPV, even making her unable to drive to her appointment. Adjusting techniques were administered, along with cranial adjustments, manual therapy, and massage. Within three visits, the patient was able to drive herself to her visits and her symptoms had greatly improved. By the 14th visit, the patient presented symptom-free.
Stone-McCoy, P., & Taylor, C. (2016). The Resolution of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) in a 33-Year-Old Female Following Chiropractic Care: A Case Report & Selective Review of Literature. Annals of Vertebral subluxation Research, (3) 84-91.
