BPPV Associated With (Caused by?) Vitamin D Deficiency

Insufficient vitamin D may be (I think almost surely is) a decided risk factor or cause of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, classic BPPV.

BPPV is known to be caused by tiny fragments of bone material (otoliths) floating loosely in the inner ear. These loose particles then lodge against nerves in the inner ear that detect motion, artificially stimulating those nerves. The brain then gets aberrant nerve impulses from the microscopic “tickling” of the loose or dislodged bone particles. The Epley Maneuver can help dislodge the particle from the balance nerves.

But why are the otoliths or bone particles floating around in the first place? This study (URL below) implicates, rather strongly, that low serum levels of vitamin D could be a cause. It certainly is an association; because vitamin D is well known to be moderator of bone health. Reduced vitamin D can cause rickets or osteomalacia (bone softening).

I’d strongly recommend that anyone with BPPV start taking 5000 IU of vitamin D-3 each day. Inexpensive, utterly safe; with multiple other health benefits (such as influenza and cold prevention).

http://www.vitamindwiki.com/tiki-index.php?page_id=3460

–John of Ohio