Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common condition that affects the inner ear. It is characterized by brief episodes of vertigo, which is a feeling of spinning or dizziness, that occur when the head is moved in certain positions. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of BPPV, its origin, and its associations.
Definitions
According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, BPPV is “a disorder of the inner ear that causes brief episodes of vertigo (spinning sensation) when the head is moved in certain positions.” The vertigo is usually triggered by changes in head position, such as turning over in bed, looking up, or bending down. The episodes of vertigo typically last less than a minute.
Origin
The term “benign paroxysmal positional vertigo” was first used in 1952 by Robert Bárány, a Hungarian otologist. Bárány was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1914 for his work on the physiology and pathology of the vestibular apparatus, which is the part of the inner ear that is responsible for balance.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, BPPV is “a disorder of the inner ear that causes sudden, brief episodes of vertigo when the head is moved in certain positions.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines BPPV as “a condition in which there are brief episodes of vertigo, typically triggered by changes in head position.”
Associations
BPPV is more common in older adults, but it can occur at any age. It is also more common in women than men. Other risk factors for BPPV include head injury, ear surgery, and prolonged bed rest. BPPV can be diagnosed through a physical examination and tests such as the Dix-Hallpike maneuver, which involves moving the head into different positions to trigger vertigo.
Synonyms
There are several synonyms for BPPV, including positional vertigo, cupulolithiasis, and canalolithiasis. Cupulolithiasis and canalolithiasis refer to different types of BPPV that involve different structures in the inner ear.
Antonyms
There are no antonyms for BPPV, as it is a specific medical condition.
The same root words
The root words of BPPV are “benign,” which means not harmful or cancerous, “paroxysmal,” which means sudden and intense, and “positional,” which refers to the specific head positions that trigger the vertigo.
Example Sentences
- “She was diagnosed with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo after experiencing episodes of dizziness when she turned her head.”
- “The Dix-Hallpike maneuver is a common test used to diagnose benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.”
- “Treatment for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo may include exercises to reposition the crystals in the inner ear.”
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is a common condition that causes brief episodes of vertigo when the head is moved in certain positions. It can be diagnosed through a physical examination and tests such as the Dix-Hallpike maneuver. While BPPV can be uncomfortable, it is not typically harmful and can be treated with exercises and other therapies.