Vertigo often presents as dizziness, which can have many causes

Full Answer Section

Pinpointing the type of vertigo:

Several tests can be used to diagnose BPPV, including:

• Dix-Hallpike maneuver: This head repositioning test helps identify the affected canal by observing the patient's eye movements (nystagmus) triggered by specific head movements [2].
• Video nystagmography (VNG): This test records eye movements during various head positions and movements, allowing for a more detailed evaluation of nystagmus patterns, which can be indicative of BPPV or other inner ear disorders [3].

By understanding the anatomy and physiology of the inner ear and how BPPV disrupts these systems, healthcare professionals can effectively diagnose the condition and implement the appropriate treatment plan.

Sources:

1. Strupp, M., Dieterich, M., Brandt, T. (2014). The Treatment and Natural Course of Peripheral and Central Vertigo. Deutsches Ärzteblatt International, 111(34-35), 545-553. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3752584/
2. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. (2020, September 11). Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. National Institutes of Health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470308/
3. American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. (2021, January). BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo). [invalid URL removed]

Sample Solution

My Chosen Topic: Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

I chose to explore Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), a common inner ear disorder causing brief episodes of dizziness triggered by specific head movements.

Anatomy and Physiology:

BPPV is linked to the semicircular canals in the inner ear, which are fluid-filled tubes lined with hair cells. These hair cells detect head movement and send signals to the brain for maintaining balance. In BPPV, otoliths (calcium carbonate crystals) detach from the utricle (a sac-like structure) and migrate into the semicircular canals [1].