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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Constant Dizziness?

I recently suffered to very serious falls. I am 66 years old and have never had any problems with my ears until after these two falls. I spent 3weeks in a physical rehab after the last. I did very and still have a home health nursing coming to my home because I still have dizziness. I was told my the physical rehab doctors there is no surgical or medical pharmacological treatment. I will be seeing and ENT next week. Explain to me what are crystals . Thank you.
Thu, 20 Sep 2018
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Internal Medicine Specialist 's  Response
Hi,

Most likely you are having benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).

Within the labyrinth of the inner ear, there are collections of calcium crystals known as otoliths/otoconia. In patients with BPPV, the attacks are caused by free-floating otoconia (calcium carbonate crystals) that have been dislodged from the utricular macula and have moved into one of the semicircular canals, usually the posterior canal producing vertigo and nystagmus.

In rare cases, the crystals themselves can adhere to a semicircular canal cupula. Upon reorientation of the head relative to gravity, the cupula is weighted down by the dense particles, thereby inducing an immediate and sustained excitation of semicircular canal afferent nerves causing vertigo/dizziness. This condition is termed cupulolithiasis.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas,
Internal Medicine Specialist
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What Causes Constant Dizziness?

Hi, Most likely you are having benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Within the labyrinth of the inner ear, there are collections of calcium crystals known as otoliths/otoconia. In patients with BPPV, the attacks are caused by free-floating otoconia (calcium carbonate crystals) that have been dislodged from the utricular macula and have moved into one of the semicircular canals, usually the posterior canal producing vertigo and nystagmus. In rare cases, the crystals themselves can adhere to a semicircular canal cupula. Upon reorientation of the head relative to gravity, the cupula is weighted down by the dense particles, thereby inducing an immediate and sustained excitation of semicircular canal afferent nerves causing vertigo/dizziness. This condition is termed cupulolithiasis. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas, Internal Medicine Specialist