I know that there are a few theories as to what causes the otoconia to come loose such as trauma and virus but I noticed that in the rate of recurrence article that Hilley posted that spontaneous head movements were mentioned in older patients. Do you think this is because of the degeneration that happens with age or can spontaneous head movements cause this stuff to come loose at any age? Anyone have any specific experiences? Just wondering because I practice yoga. Also, does anyone w/ BPPV experience any kind of residual dizziness (but not vertigo) when looking down from high places or looking up at something? If so does this mean there might be some otoconia floating around? I'm asking that question for a family member who was never diagnosed with BPPV but has this problem. What are your opinions?

"The recurrence rate of patients in the seventh
decade of age was half that of those in the
sixth decade. Since spontaneous vigorous
head movements characteristically decrease
with increasing age, this may prevent the
loosening of otoconia from their macular layer."

Hi Adrienne,
If you haven't seen it already check this out :

<url> http://www.healthboards.com/boards/showthread.php?p=1223580#post1223580 </url>


Hilley...

Hey Adrienne
My biggest concern after doing the MEP and stopping any vertigo was that residual off feeling I would get when I first lay down or put my head in a previously vertigo inducing position. I still to this day get it very slightly when I go back onto the bench press bench at the gym, it is just a slight feeling that I used to get before the vertigo came on, but the spin never happens. I think this is normal and part of the compensation process. I went three months with brutal vertigo and spinning with head movements before I learned about the MEP. Although the vertigo was getting less severe and was beginning to see lots of fatigue and latency, I think those loose crystals did a fair chunk of damage rolling around in there, and that is what has taken me almost 2 years to compensate from (not to mention a previous case of labs with 37% vestibular loss in my right ear two years previous to that).
But as far as getting back to Yoga, go for it. Just do what your head will tolerate. I remember doing a class before I did the MEP and I would lie on my back and spin for 5 seconds before I could focus on the next position...my philosophy thoughout this whole ordeal has been to keep moving and yoga is so good for you.
FC

Hi Hilley,
Thanks so much for finding those old posts. I will stick with the yoga but will modify the poses according to how I feel. It (yoga) makes perfect sense because it keeps my anxiety at bay and I up until this week I feel fantastic after a class. so the thought of having to give it up would be horrible. Hey, I noticed that the post you found was from '04 and that Thinbones and treefarmer haven't posted anything that I've seen in quite a while. I wonder if that's a good sign and that they have beaten this inner ear crap stuff. Does anyone out there know what they are up to?
By the way...how are YOU? I hate asking because progress with this stuff is often a slow crawl but I have to. What's up?

F.C....thanks too for your words of encouragement and yes, you're right I will keep moving. Speaking of..when is your ski trip again?
F.C. I started doing the MEP after this weeks decomp issue. Still no actual vertigo but no more "swish" feelings either. I do still feel very off balance though. Should I keep up with the MEP? It can't hurt right?

Have a great day!

adrienne.