Canalith Repositioning Procedures

The inner ear contains small calcium crystals called otoconia, which are housed in one of the otolith organ called the utricle. In some individuals, the otoconia can dislodge from the utricle and move into the semi-circular canals.

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) may cause an individual to experience a spinning sensation, imbalance, lightheadedness and/or nausea in response to movements of the head or body. Symptoms may last a few seconds up to several minutes in duration. BPPV is diagnosed by watching the eyes for specific movements in response to movements of the head/body.

During this procedure, a patient will be asked to lay supine while the clinician watches their eyes. Depending on the clinician’s preference, you may be asked to wear video recording googles to record these eye movements. Pending the results from the evaluation, specific exercises may be performed and recommended to move the otoconia back to the utricle. The exercises are chosen to treat a specific canal and ear that is affected. In individuals who have more than one ear or canal affected, they may be asked to return for subsequent visits for additional treatment.