Seasonal Changes and the Rise in Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

Have you ever experienced dizziness that seemed to come out of nowhere? Imbalance problems like benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) affect approximately 20% of U.S. adults every year. 

BPPV cases are more common during the winter months. Episodes of vertigo can be mild to debilitating, and symptoms may come and go. 

While the condition isn’t life-threatening, it can make you feel as though the room is spinning out of control and make it impossible to conduct normal daily tasks. Additionally, all forms of vertigo increase a person’s risk of falling, which can be especially concerning for the elderly. 

What Is BPPV?

BPPV is an inner ear problem that causes imbalance. It originates in the delicate crystals inside the ear known as “otoconia.” When the crystals become dislodged, they can float in the fluid-filled areas of the ear and end up in the semicircular canal. 

The crystals rest comfortably there until the person positions their head in a certain way. That movement can cause the otoconia to float into the lowest part of the semicircular canal, which causes vertigo. 

Early diagnosis and treatment of BPPV can reduce the risk of serious falls and allow you to return to your regular life. 

How Are Vertigo and Weather Changes Related?

Seasonal vertigo causes aren’t always obvious. Even if you’ve had BPPV before, it doesn’t mean you’ll experience it again as soon as winter rolls around. However, if you seem to experience bouts of vertigo more often in the colder months, this may be due to seasonal changes. 

The Role of Calcium

Lower levels of calcium can play a major role in seasonal BPPV. Otoconia crystals are composed mainly of calcium, and vitamin D is essential for calcium regulation. Exposure to sunlight is the main method for producing vitamin D. Less sunlight in the winter means less vitamin D, less calcium, and potentially less functional otoconia. 

Balance and Barometric Pressure

It may be surprising to learn the atmosphere can affect your balance, but it can. “Barometric pressure” is the weight of the surrounding air. Cool, humid air is heavier than warm, dry air, which means that the barometric pressure is higher during winter months. 

Sudden shifts in barometric pressure can cause sinus pressure and inner ear sensitivity — both of which are factors in BPPV. A study published in the American Journal of Otolaryngology found a link between monthly changes in barometric pressure and inner ear and migraine conditions. 

Allergies and BPPV

Do bad allergy days make you feel dizzy? Although it’s rare, allergies can cause vertigo. 

Your eustachian tubes connect your sinuses to your ear. When they are swollen or blocked due to allergies, that blockage can affect the inner ear and lead to BPPV. Since most seasonal allergies occur in the fall or the spring, allergy-related BPPV would also be considered seasonal.  

Managing BPPV: When to Seek Professional Help

While some people attempt to manage BPPV symptoms at home, self-treatment can sometimes make the condition worse. Certain movements or techniques may not be appropriate for every individual and could potentially increase dizziness or discomfort.

Instead of attempting home remedies, it’s best to consult a qualified audiologist who specializes in vestibular testing. An audiologist can properly diagnose your condition and recommend the most effective treatment based on your specific symptoms.

If you experience persistent dizziness, imbalance, or recurring vertigo episodes, professional evaluation is essential. The experts at Happy Ears Hearing Center can assess your vestibular function and provide personalized solutions to help manage your symptoms safely and effectively.

Know Your Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo Triggers 

BPPV triggers aren’t the same for everyone. Knowing which behaviors or movements are likely to cause vertigo can help you avoid the condition. Some common triggers include:

• High-intensity workouts
• Keeping your head in the same position for too long
• Specific head positions, such as sleeping with your head tipped downwards
• Riding a bike on rough, bumpy trails
• Anxiety and stress
• Dehydration

There are other types of vertigo besides BPPV, including medication-induced vertigo. If you notice dizziness after taking prescribed or over-the-counter medicines, consult with your doctor as soon as possible. 

Professional Treatments for BPPV

Home BPPV management tips may not always be enough to bring relief. In some cases, more aggressive treatments from healthcare professionals are needed. 

Repositioning maneuvers similar to the Epley maneuver are the most common BPPV treatment options. For example, your provider may perform the canalith repositioning procedure or the Lempert roll. 

Medications can also be helpful to treat the symptoms of vertigo. Antinausea medications such as meclizine and dimenhydrinate may be recommended when positioning maneuvers don’t work or when a person experiences BPPV frequently. 

In rare cases of recurrent BPPV that cannot be resolved with other treatments, a surgeon may perform a procedure to block the portion of the ear associated with this condition. 

Do You Suffer From Seasonal BPPV?

Vertigo at any time of the year is, at the least, uncomfortable. Fortunately, BPPV treatments from the compassionate professionals at Happy Ears Hearing Center can help. 

You don’t have to live with the dizziness, nausea, and other discomforts of BPPV. Happy Ears Hearing Center offers personalized solutions throughout Gilbert, Surprise, or Peoria, AZ. Call us today for more information.