Positional vertigo or BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo) remains a significant health concern among many American adults. It causes disorienting symptoms like spinning sensations and poor body coordination each time patients quickly tilt their heads or switch from one position to another. It’s also one of the many reasons people visit the nearest chiropractor for vertigo. 

Thankfully, unlike most vertigo-causing conditions, BPPV is controllable. A few lifestyle tweaks plus active management of risks can potentially lessen the severity and frequency of the episodes. But how familiar are you with the BPPV risk factors? 

As we further look into BPPV management in this article, we thought of highlighting one of the most commonly debated risk factors: high cholesterol. As you might already know, high blood cholesterol is a health problem affecting millions of Americans. According to the CDC, about 47 million people across the country have elevated blood cholesterol levels. 

Several case studies associate this health concern with other issues, including positional vertigo. But is there truly a connection between balance problems and abnormally high amounts of cholesterol in the bloodstream? Let’s take a closer look.

High Cholesterol and BPPV: What’s Their Relationship?

A 2021 study revealed that up to 46 percent of patients with positional vertigo also have hypercholesterolemia. In layman’s terms, hypercholesterolemia is a lipid disorder that causes the abnormal increase of the LDL or “bad” cholesterol levels in the body. The study also shared that such comorbidity can worsen the symptoms and lead to frequent otolith crystal detachment. Besides high blood cholesterol levels, the research paper also looked into other comorbidities that can worsen positional vertigo, including: 

• Abnormal thyroid function
• Sensorineural hearing loss 
• Vitamin D deficiency

It’s a good idea to get diagnosed by your physician to determine if you have any of the above-mentioned conditions. This way, you can create a more robust patient care plan and boost your chances of experiencing lesser episodes each month. Additionally, you might find it helpful to manage your risks for the diseases or disorders we listed above. For example, you can look for usual Vitamin D deficiency signs like fatigue, appetite loss, hair loss, poor sleep quality, and muscle weakness to determine if you need to supplement your diet.

Best Interventions for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

Managing your risk factors, such as hypercholesterolemia and vitamin D deficiency, are just a few examples of the many positional vertigo interventions you can explore. A few examples of things you can check out for your BPPV problems include the following: 

Minding your diet choices

As a rule of thumb, steer clear of excess sugar and salt because this can increase water retention. Notably, poor fluid drainage can increase inner ear pressure and impact the normal function of your vestibular organs. 

Exploring canalith repositioning maneuvers

Techniques designed for BPPV relief, like the Epley Maneuver, can help lessen the intensity of the vertigo attacks. Essentially, these exercises are designed to help dislodged otolith crystals to move away from the fluid-filled sections of the affected ear. When done correctly and regularly, it can help the brain cope better during an episode, lessening the severity of each episode.  

Visiting a chiropractor for vertigo

Getting the help of a chiropractor for vertigo can help you address posture problems preventing the brainstem from functioning properly. Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care, to be specific, is a good option to try because of its gentle approach and its focus on the topmost neck bones. Studies explain that the C1 and C2 neck bones frequently slide off from their normal position because of accidents and poor posture. Unfortunately, they compress tissues adjacent to them, like the brainstem, neck blood vessels, and drainage tubes that maintain fluid balance in the ears. Thankfully, with the help of a chiropractor for vertigo, you can resolve posture issues and restore balance in your body. We strongly suggest working closely with a vertigo chiropractor to manage your episodes better and lessen their impact on your day-to-day activities. Call your city's nearest vertigo chiropractic doctor for an enlightening consultation session.

to schedule a consultation today.