BPPV

In BPPV, dizziness often starts intensely at the moment the head position changes, rather than when at rest.

• When rolling over in bed or getting up
• When tilting the head upward or downward
• When tilting the head back at a beauty salon or dental clinic
• When turning the head in a specific direction
• When a brief sensation of spinning is accompanied by nausea

Checking which direction reproduces the symptoms, how long the spinning sensation lasts in seconds, and how eye movements appear helps distinguish the likelihood of BPPV and the affected direction.

For typical BPPV caused by otoconia moving within the semicircular canals, precise directional canalith repositioning is essential. Correcting the position of the causative otoconia allows severe vertigo to subside rapidly.

However, performing repositioning does not mean all discomfort ends immediately. Many patients experience lingering nausea and head fog after severe episodes, or they rigidly restrict neck and body movements out of fear that moving their head will trigger vertigo again.

Soian Korean Medicine Clinic distinguishes cases requiring repositioning while simultaneously treating residual dizziness and tension before and after the procedure. Even if repositioning has been performed multiple times but symptoms recur or unsteadiness persists, we re-evaluate the current underlying causes.

Even after rotational vertigo subsides, patients may still feel the floor swaying, experience a floating sensation in the head, or feel unsteady when walking quickly. We do not simply attribute this to remaining otoconia.

Fear of dizziness can lead to minimal head movement, causing the neck and shoulders to stiffen and delaying the natural recalibration of balance information from the eyes, ears, muscles, and joints.

We assess the neck's range of motion and tenderness, center of gravity shifts while walking, swaying with eyes closed, and tension in the temporomandibular joint and upper cervical spine. If releasing tension in a specific area immediately improves head fog and balance, we actively treat that area.

During periods of strong dizziness and nausea, we focus on reducing nervous system tension and nausea through acupuncture without excessive stimulation. If tenderness in the neck and shoulders is prominent or head movement is restricted, we apply acupoint injection and Chuna therapy according to the patient's condition.

For patients whose symptoms easily recur when BPPV is accompanied by fatigue, sleep deprivation, and digestive discomfort, we may combine herbal medicine treatment that considers constitution and overall recovery status.

If adjusting the temporomandibular joint and upper cervical spine clearly changes balance and neck tension, we evaluate the applicability of the temporomandibular joint balance method. We adjust the treatment composition based on which movements cause dizziness and how comfortably the patient can move their head after treatment, rather than the name of the method.

The goal of treatment does not end with the disappearance of dizziness when lying down.

• Dizziness when turning over or standing up
• Movements of lifting and bending the head
• Unsteadiness and a sense of insecurity while walking
• Nausea and head fog
• Neck and shoulder tension and range of motion
• Fear of going out, driving, and exercising

We check how this changes.

Soian Korean Medicine Clinic distinguishes the positional dizziness that is central to BPPV and continues treatment for the discomfort and recurring physical conditions that remain before and after repositioning maneuvers. Even if symptoms recur, rather than simply enduring them and reducing movement, we help identify which stage of the problem remains so that daily movement can be quickly restored.