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Your Health: Vertigo

Story Published: Apr 12, 2012 at 4:05 PM EDT

Story Updated: Apr 12, 2012 at 7:12 PM EDT

It's called benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, or BPPV, and it's caused by problems within the inner ear.

Tom Engle thought the dizziness he was feeling might be vertigo, so he went to River Hospital in Alexandria Bay where testing and treatment is available.

"If you identify someone who's having vertigo, actual room-spinning symptoms, you can do a test called the 'Hallpike-Dix' and it's a condition where crystals that are supposed to be in one part of your ear move into one of the three semi-circular canals in your ear," said physical therapist Emily Chase.

Repositioning techniques are used to treat the symptoms.

Kathy Danielson says she has been vertigo-free for a year.

"She was able to reposition the crystals that had dislodged in my head to where they should go and everything was fine," said Danielson.

This treament requires a doctor's referral, so if you think you could benefit from it, speak with your physician.
Saturday, May 25, 2013
, Watertown, NY

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