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Dizziness is a broad term used for several conditions. Vertigo is just one specific type of dizziness, usually caused by problems with the inner ear. You can feel dizzy without having vertigo symptoms. Dizziness can be defined as feelings of light-headedness or unsteadiness. Patients often feel dizzy before they faint. This can be secondary to a strong emotion, standing for a long time, or standing up too quickly from a sitting position. Dizziness and fainting are very common and, in most cases, not serious. However, if your symptoms are prolonged, then you should get in touch with your doctor to discuss further. Other conditions can also make patients feel dizzy, for example, abnormal rhythm of your heart, thyroid gland problems, side effects of some medications, and problems within the brain etc.

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common cause of dizziness. It is a type of giddiness induced by certain positions of the head. It is thought to be caused by tiny fragments (debris) of calcium carbonate in the posterior semi-circular canal, derived from the inner ear structure called the utricle. The Epley Manoeuvre can help to move the crystals back to the utricle, to cure the problem. The maneuver requires moving the head at certain angles to be effective.

The Dizzyclear pillow is a wedge pillow made from polyurethan foam. It has been specially designed to provide the correct angle for the head to perform the Epley manoeuvre at home, the clinic, or the office. The pillow has been used for the treatment of BPPV by specialists and patients alike. The pillow may also help patients suffering from heartburn, backpain, and swollen ankles.

In most patients, the underlying cause of dizziness lies in the inner ear (the labyrinth). Hence, most treatments available are aimed at the inner ear, including medications and the vestibular rehabilitation programme.

Although some symptoms of BPPV are similar to stroke symptoms, BPPV is not an early sign of stroke. A careful review of the patient’s history and an examination will help in correctly diagnosing this condition. A simple manoeuvre can help to alleviate the symptoms.

Most people can do home exercises in the comfort of their own home, on the bed or on the floor. However, it may be useful if a friend or relative can assist with some exercises, especially during the early part of the treatment.

Inactivity will not help you to get better. The brain needs to be exposed to mismatching signals coming from two ears to help in compensation. Try and perform daily chores and participate in various exercises for dizziness. Do not suffer in silence – dizziness is extremely common. Try and talk to your GP to get early help

If the symptoms are bad, then you need to stop driving. If the symptoms are well controlled and you remain symptom-free, you can start driving again. In the UK, you can contact the DVLA for further advice. You may also contact your GP to discuss in more detail. Drivers with a group 2 licence for large goods vehicle and passenger-carrying vehicles need to be symptom-free for the duration of the journey in order to be eligible for driving.

About 20 years ago, there used to be little in the way of treatment available for dizziness. Most patients used to get tablets for vertigo. However, in present day, there are various methods available to treat dizziness successfully. Due to the recent advances in brain scan equipment, specialists can help diagnose several causes of dizziness. Nowadays, most people with dizziness get successful treatment. The Dizzyclear Pillow can help in the treatment of chronic dizziness through a series of exercises.

Yes, dizziness with a spinning sensation (BPPV) can develop along with other medical conditions such as stroke, Meniere’s disease, hypertension, head injury, epilepsy, or following meningitis. Most patients can improve their dizziness with treatments at home, however we recommend discussing with a GP first.

Yes, BPPV can reoccur in up to 30% of patients. Most people can self-treat at home with the Epley’s Manoeuvre, and/or Brant Daroff home exercises.

Yes, it is possible that you are suffering from BPPV and may benefit from the home Epley Manoeuvre. During the last three months of pregnancy, a lot of women also develop low blood pressure while lying down due to the womb pressure on the blood flow to the heart (supine hypotension syndrome). This may also lead to dizziness. Lying on the left side may help to relieve these symptoms. This condition usually disappears when pregnancy is over.

It depends upon the type of dizziness. There is no scientific evidence to suggest that BPPV runs in families. However, Meniere’s disease does have a genetic link.

Yes, it is likely that you are suffering from BPPV. This injury may have been a trigger for the crystals to move in the inner ear. It is common for people to develop symptoms weeks or months after the injury. The injury can be in the head and neck region, however, could also be elsewhere, such as the ankle or foot region.