Ear crystals, or canaliths, are calcium crystals that support the vestibular system in yourinner ear.
This system regulates your balance and spatial orientation.
When ear crystals get dislodged from their proper place,benignparoxysmalpositional vertigo (BPPV)results.
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BPPV can make you sensitive to movements that normally do not affect you.
This is known asvertigo.
Vertigo is the feeling of moving, spinning, or being off balance even if you are still.
Vertigo can be a symptom of BPPV or many other health problems.
Getting a diagnosis can help you treat the cause of the problem.
This article describes how ear crystals affect balance and other symptoms they can cause.
It also explains treatments and when to seek medical care.
Ear crystals help two parts of your inner ear, called theutricleandsaccule, sense head tilt and movement.
They act like weights that slide with changes in head position.
This makes you sensitive to gravity so you could keep your balance.
Ear crystals are held in place by a jelly-like membrane in your ear.
This key in of vertigobenign paroxysmal positional vertigois called “benign” because it does not worsen over time.
“Paroxysmal” means that symptoms come and go.
“Positional” means that symptoms are triggered by a change in head position.
The problem affects your balance.
Other Symptoms Related to Ear Crystals
Symptoms related to ear crystals can vary by individual.
Why Do Some People Have More Ear Crystals and Complications Than Others?
While the cause of problematic ear crystals is often unknown, the issue affects more women than men.
However, it can be difficult to endure vertigo while waiting for it to improve.
Conservative physical therapy treatments that involve neck and head maneuvers can help reduce the duration of potentially debilitating symptoms.
After each positional change, allow any dizziness to subside before moving into the next position.
If no dizziness occurs while in a position, hold the position for 15 seconds.
They involve specifically patterned head and trunk movements.
This treatment is considered the gold standard for the treatment of BPPV.
Research indicates that following up office treatments with home sessions is more effective than office treatments alone.
These treatments are highly effective.
Many people achieve positive results with just one treatment, though repeat sessions may be necessary.
Epley Maneuver
TheEpley maneuveris a set of four specific head movements that are held for 30 seconds each.
One surgical option is called canal plugging.
This treatment blocks the movement of ear crystals.
While it works well, it comes with a rare risk of hearing loss.
Feeling unstable and dizzy can make daily activities complex and challenging.
It can also increase your risk of slips and falls.
Dizziness and vertigo can occur as symptoms of many health problems.
Your healthcare provider can help determine the cause of your dizziness.
This system helps keep you balanced and aware of spatial relationships.
When dislodged ear crystals interfere with its function, the problem causes BPPV, a bang out of vertigo.
Without treatment, BPPV often clears on its own, though it can take between one and three months.
Getting a prompt diagnosis can help you get the treatment needed to reduce the time spent dealing with symptoms.
BPPV responds well to treatments that involve a series of specific head and neck movements.
While ear crystals are a common cause of vertigo, this issue is also tied to other health problems.
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