Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/68175
fullness in the ears; and it is associated with nystagmus—the phenomenon of having the eyes involuntarily oscillate during an episode. TREATMENT OPTIONS The great news about BPPV is that, compared to other causes of vertigo, it is relatively easy to treat. Because the symptoms are brought about by otoliths falling out of their correct location, carefully positioning the head in a sequence of angles in relationship to the horizon, and allowing enough time for the tiny stones to fl oat back where they belong, is a surprisingly simple and extremely effective treatment modality. This intervention, called the Epley maneuver, takes just a few minutes, and many BPPV patients fi nd that after just one or two treatments their episodes of vertigo are reduced or even entirely eliminated. Some patients fi nd that they have to repeat the procedure regularly, but this is not a terrible hardship. Once the sequence is learned, many people can even do it for themselves. Research indicates that the Epley maneuver is successful for managing BPPV up to 70 percent of the time.1 For those patients for Research indicates that the Epley maneuver is successful for managing BPPV up to 70 percent of the time. whom it is not adequate, surgery may be conducted to block the area where the otoliths become displaced. This obviously carries more risk of complications (including a low risk of permanent hearing loss) than the Epley maneuver, but it has a very high success rate for eradicating any future episodes of vertigo. WHERE DOES MASSAGE FIT? Because balance disorders are so common among mature adults, any massage therapist who has clients in the 50 years and older range needs to be aware of some of the special challenges this population faces—and balance may not be at the top of their list of concerns. BPPV is specifi cally linked to changes in the head's position in relationship to the horizon, so clients with this condition may have trouble lying down, getting up, or rolling over on the table. Similarly, any bending or twisting that has to happen while a client gets dressed may trigger an episode, so it is important to be close by and available in case of problems. Fortunately, most people will know what their triggers are and will have strategies to minimize the risk of having a vertigo attack. A massage therapist who regularly works with clients who have BPPV may be interested to learn the Epley maneuver. As long as a client is offi cially diagnosed with BPPV and other complicating factors have Rely on the Leader for Massage Therapy Resources LWW is the leading provider of massage therapy resources, offering a line that is comprehensive, high quality, and accessible to meet the needs and challenges of today's massage instructor, school owner, student, and working therapist. Get Nina McIntosh's The Educated Heart, Third Edition and enjoy a 10% discount. Go to www.lww.com/ABMP10 and use promo code WAE013ZZ by August 31, 2010 for this special ABMP discount. An invaluable resource to help therapists and students confidently establish professional boundaries! connect with your colleagues on massageprofessionals.com 101