New Here, MEP Question

[KB821]

Hello everyone,

This is my 1st post here. Without going into a long story, I was diagnosed with BPPV a few weeks ago with a positive Dix-Hallpike. I woke up dizzy in the middle of September, saw an ENT in Oct, and he had me doing the Brandt-Daroffs. They did help, but I felt I had hit a plateau. He then gave me the ok to do the MEP at home--which I did for the 1st time last night.

I did not get any spinning in position 1 or 2, but I did spin in position 3 (facing the floor), and also got a bit dizzy (no spinning) when I sat up.

Does the fact that I didn't spin on position 1 mean the rocks were already out of the canal?

I read somewhere that position 3 is where the rocks fall back into the utricle, and that spinning in this position is a good sign. Is that accurate?

Also, since the MEP, I feel generally more sensitive to head motion, though somehow more "Clear" in the head/mind. It's an odd combination! Normal??

I plan to do them 2 to 3 times a day for at least a week.

Also, my ENT mentioned there may be some residual unsteadiness/dizziness even after the rocks have cleared. How can I tell the difference between the rocks making me unsteady and the residual unsteadiness?? I never really got pronounced all-out spinning from the BPPV. I got strong tilting feelings and occasionally I'd get some of those quick "burst" spin feelings. How long does the residual stuff usually last, and am I supposed to keep doing the MEP as long as I have residual stuff?

Thanks so much!! I've been lurking in this forum for a few weeks, and have found so much encouraging information.

Karen

[wannarun]

Sorry you have been dealing with the dizzies. I just had a bought of BPPV myself, and was lucky enough that my chiropractic neurologist knows the Epley and saw me every day (without charge!) until we could do the dix-hallpike without any spins. I am now back to my non-dizzy self.
I would call your ENT doctor for advice on this question. I would also try to find someone like your doctor or a PT who knows the Epley to do it with you to make sure you are doing it correctly. Sometimes we patients may do it the wrong way, or have our head tilted the wrong way and the crystals may go into the wrong canal...
Most doctors will tell you to do it on your own. I know, I was told the same thing by an ENT who gave me the impression that she couldn't care less about me or my silly dizzies. But that's all behind me now, and I hope this will be behind you very soon too.