Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Neurology (Expert Forum)
How to prevent VOR shutdown during BPPV episode?
This forum is for questions and support regarding neurology issues such as: Alzheimer's Disease, ALS, Autism, Brain Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Pain, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, Headaches, MS, Neuralgia, Neuropathy, Parkinson's Disease, RSD, Sleep Disorders, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury
How to prevent VOR shutdown during BPPV episode?
by Lilyfern, Jun 21, 2004 12:00AM
I am a 50 year old female, healthy and active (yoga, etc), no medications. During the past six months, I have had 2 confirmed episodes of BPPV (accompanied by severe vomiting), both successfully treated with the Epley maneuver.
After treatment, I experienced severe dizziness, imbalance and perception of motion (though NOT vertigo.) After a retest (negative) I entered vestibular rehab and symptoms gradually ended though it was 5 weeks before I felt normal (3 wks before I could drive or use a computer without nausea.)
I thought people walk away from this treatment cured so I was surprised by my long recovery period. My PT says I'm unusual because I'm highly motion sensitive (I can't, eg. wear bifocals because they make me dizzy.) My brain overreacts to the assault and shuts down my VOR during the vertigo, and then the VOR must be "turned back on" by rehab.
Can I prevent the VOR shutdown from the bouts of vertigo? Train my brain with hypnosis, imaging, relaxation, visual exercises?
I'm not sure whether shutdown occurs during the "natural" vertigo from the misplaced rock, or during the repositioning maneuver which induces intense vertigo and vomiting, less so if I'm adequately sedated. My husband observes my overall balance, etc seemed better BEFORE the treatment. If I can avoid provoking head positions, I'm basically normal (though anxious!) I'm thinking if it's possible to avoid provoking positions, I might be better off letting it run its course rather than being treated if that's what shuts the VOR down.
Thanks very much for any insight you have to offer.
:
After treatment, I experienced severe dizziness, imbalance and perception of motion (though NOT vertigo.) After a retest (negative) I entered vestibular rehab and symptoms gradually ended though it was 5 weeks before I felt normal (3 wks before I could drive or use a computer without nausea.)
I thought people walk away from this treatment cured so I was surprised by my long recovery period. My PT says I'm unusual because I'm highly motion sensitive (I can't, eg. wear bifocals because they make me dizzy.) My brain overreacts to the assault and shuts down my VOR during the vertigo, and then the VOR must be "turned back on" by rehab.
Can I prevent the VOR shutdown from the bouts of vertigo? Train my brain with hypnosis, imaging, relaxation, visual exercises?
I'm not sure whether shutdown occurs during the "natural" vertigo from the misplaced rock, or during the repositioning maneuver which induces intense vertigo and vomiting, less so if I'm adequately sedated. My husband observes my overall balance, etc seemed better BEFORE the treatment. If I can avoid provoking head positions, I'm basically normal (though anxious!) I'm thinking if it's possible to avoid provoking positions, I might be better off letting it run its course rather than being treated if that's what shuts the VOR down.
Thanks very much for any insight you have to offer.
:
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS, Jun 29, 2004 12:00AM
I assume by VOR you mean vestibular occular reflex. The Epley manuever is designed to move the abnormal otolith back into position. After this occurs your symptoms may not immediately resolve, and you may be left with a sense of imbalance. The visual system helps the body maintain a normal sense of position. I would recommend that you have a consult with an oto-neurologist. These are neruologists who specialize in dizziness and vertigo. If you are in the area Dr Oas and Cherian are our specialists. The reason I would recommend the consult is to exclude a variant of benign positional vertigo. Good luck, and sorry for the delay.
