Lateral canal is a variant of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). While this is not the most common form of BPPV, it is the most common subtype, making up as much as 12% of cases. What do you need to know about this particular cause of vertigo? How is it cared for? Read on to find the answers.
Lateral canal BPPV occurs when one of the otoconia (small crystals within the inner ear that aid in balance and spatial orientation) end up dislodged and in the wrong inner ear canal. As a result, certain head movements cause vertigo. It is important to note that with this particular kind of vertigo not only is the Epley Maneuver ineffective, but it may actually make vertigo worse.
Because of the nature of lateral canal BPPV, vertigo may be caused by turning the head in either direction whereas a patient with a more common form of vertigo will only experience dizziness while turning the head to one particular side. Also, vertigo attacks tend to last longer and be more severe when lateral canal BPPV is the problem.
If you experience vertigo that occurs frequently, your problem may not be in the ear but in the neck. This is because injuries that result in upper cervical misalignments can affect the function of the vestibular nerve as well as the Eustachian tubes that drain fluid away from the ear. Too much fluid can also result in vertigo, tinnitus (ringing in the ear), hearing problems, and other symptoms.
If you began to experience vertigo following any sort of head or neck injury, see an upper cervical chiropractor. Unlike other forms of chiropractic, upper cervical care is very gentle and involves very precise diagnostic imaging techniques to determine the exact location and degree of the misalignment. This leads to very precise and long-lasting adjustments that give the body more time to heal. To learn more, contact a local practitioner to schedule an appointment.
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The content and materials provided in this web site are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to supplement or comprise a medical diagnosis or other professional opinion, or to be used in lieu of a consultation with a physician or competent health care professional for medical diagnosis and/or treatment. All content and materials including research papers, case studies and testimonials summarizing patients' responses to care are intended for educational purposes only and do not imply a guarantee of benefit. Individual results may vary, depending upon several factors including age of the patient, severity of the condition, severity of the spinal injury, and duration of time the condition has been present.
