About crystal sickness
Crystal sickness, or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), is a condition that occurs when small, solid particles of calcium carbonate have come loose in the inner ear and create a feeling that the world is spinning around. The episodes usually last less than 30 seconds and are triggered only by changes of position of our balance organ, the vestibular system. Since the crystals consist of calcium carbonate, disturbances in calcium metabolism, osteoporosis and vitamin D deficiency may increase the risk of BPPV. Other known causes of crystal sickness are head trauma and underlying diseases such as Ménière's disease and labyrinthitis.
There can be many causes of acute-onset dizziness. If dizziness has led to fainting, a doctor should be consulted. Crystal sickness is a completely harmless form of dizziness that seldom lasts more than 3–6 weeks, but relapses are not unusual. The condition can pass by itself, but treatment or repositioning exercises will most often give faster improvement.
Common symptoms of crystal sickness:
- Short, intense attacks of dizziness where the patient feels that the world is spinning around.
- The attacks are triggered by head movements such as lying down, getting up, turning over in bed or other sudden head movements.
- Involuntary eye movements (nystagmus) that last as long as the attack lasts.
- Unsteadiness and light-headedness during normal movement.
- Nausea and vomiting may occur.
- The attacks can come many times a day, for several days, but seldom last longer than 30 seconds.
A thorough history and clinical examination are important when you come to us at Behandlerverket so that we can find out which treatment you are most likely to respond best to. The diagnosis – crystal sickness/BPPV – can often be made based on special tests that trigger involuntary eye movements.