PAROXYSMAL POSITIONAL NYSTAGMUS

Paroxysmal positional nystagmus is the most frequent cause of vertigo in the overall population. Vertigo is a sudden feeling of dizziness or spinning inside your head.

The presence of paroxysmal positional nystagmus can cause short episodes of dizziness, ranging from mild to severe. These episodes are often triggered by sudden or specific movements of the head, such as lying down or sitting up on the bed or tipping your head up and down.

Paroxysmal positional vertigo is rarely serious. However, it may increase chances of falling, which may cause you mild to severe injuries. Hence, it would be best to receive efficient treatment for this condition from your doctor.

SYMPTOMS

Some of the symptoms of paroxysmal positional nystagmus include:

  • Uncontrolled eye movement
  • Vision problems
  • Dizziness
  • Reduced depth perception or balance issues
  • Focusing issues
  • Head tilting

If you think that you or anyone you know has nystagmus, set an appointment with an optometrist as soon as possible. Your optometrist will be able to perform a number of tests to properly identify your problem and then recommend suitable treatment or management methods.

DIAGNOSIS

The doctor may perform several tests to identify the main reason for your nystagmus. Moreover, the following tests may also be administered:

Electronystagmography (ENG). Through this, doctors can easily detect abnormal eye movement.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This is used to create cross-sectional images of your body and head.

TREATMENT

Paroxysmal positional Nystagmus may disappear on its own after several weeks or months. Nevertheless, in order to speed up recovery from this condition, your medical professional may use canalith repositioning as your treatment.

Canalith repositioning is a procedure wherein simple, slow maneuvers for the positioning of your head are conducted. The aim of this is to transfer particles from your inner ear’s canals into the vestibule, where these particles are absorbed more easily. Each position in this treatment is held for around 30 seconds, and it usually is effective after one to two sessions. Your doctor will also likely teach you how to do this on your own for you to be able to do it at home when necessary.

Surgery may also be conducted when canalith repositioning does not work. While cases where surgery is required, this treatment option is highly effective with a success rate of 90%.

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