What Triggers BPPV Vertigo Attacks?
Vertigo related to BPPV occurs when tiny particles (or calcium crystals) called otoconia become dislodged from their normal location in the inner ear and relocate in one of the three semicircular canals of the inner ear.
Most commonly, the particles relocate in the posterior semicircular canal of the inner ear secondary to gravity and the fact that the posterior canal is at the lowest part of the inner ear.
Semicircular canals sense head rotation. Therefore, changes in head position, such as rotating your head forward, backward or side-to-side, can stimulate the semicircular canal and cause the displaced particle to move within the canal. The movement of the particle within the canal is what causes BPPV-related vertigo. The cause of BPPV is largely unknown but there are a few common trends that can possibly increase your chances of BPPV.
- One being your age… individuals older than 60 years old are at a 7X greater risk of developing BPPV.
- Recent head trauma
- People with a history of osteoporosis, estrogen deficiency or vitamin D deficiency