BS: Dizziness and Benign Positional Vertigo

Subject: RE: BS: Dizziness and Benign Positional Vertigo
From: Jack Campin
Date: 30 Sep 10 - 08:31 PM

Drastically reducing salt intake often helps.

Subject: RE: BS: Dizziness and Benign Positional Vertigo
From: gnu
Date: 30 Sep 10 - 05:28 PM

Thanks, Gurney. And I will copy that and print it out for Mum.

Subject: RE: BS: Dizziness and Benign Positional Vertigo
From: Gurney
Date: 30 Sep 10 - 04:01 PM

I had a similar problem about a year ago, when lying down or standing up. Dizziness and nausea sometimes. My Dr. also said it was age-related, and explained that it is 'bits' moving about in the inner ear and touching I can't remember what. He prescribed things.

Coincidentally, I was working for an elderly and very smart lady, who said "Oh I get that. I've found if I bang myself on the head, it goes away," and she demonstrated by smacking her forehead with the heel of her hand.

I tried it, and it DOES work, for me too. Instantly. I refined it to a sharp shake of the head, which engenders less spousal amusement because it is less noticable.
The problem went away for me, as the quack said it probably would.

Gnu, this 'Mrs. Bell's Manoeuver' HAS to be worth a try, cost and drug and pain free as it is. Good luck to your mum.

Subject: RE: BS: Dizziness and Benign Positional Vertigo
From: gnu
Date: 30 Sep 10 - 03:31 PM

Actually, LR, something did work. She got so bad today... this started nearly a dozen years ago and has gotten a LOT worse in the past year or so... that she finally agreed to read the literature I gleaned from the internut. Unfortunately, she still will not see her doc about it as she wants to try the Brandt-Daroff Exercise first.

So... now that she finally has realized that she has BPV and there are ways to possibly treat it, a VERY big step has been taken. I just hope things work out. I see her swaying and losing her balance often. She goes up and down the basement steps every day and it frightens me.

Subject: RE: BS: Dizziness and Benign Positional Vertigo
From: Little Robyn
Date: 30 Sep 10 - 02:42 PM

How's your Mum Gnu?
Did anything work?
Robyn

Subject: RE: BS: Dizziness and Benign Positional Vertigo
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 30 Sep 10 - 09:35 AM

Gnu... I sometimes get a sensation that I am falling or tilting backwards. Sometimes it feels like the world around me is moving and sometimes motion sickness attends. Mine has been attributed to osteoarthritis of the cervical spine. Acupuncture helped a lot.

Subject: RE: BS: Dizziness and Benign Positional Vertigo
From: GUEST,Patsy
Date: 30 Sep 10 - 04:29 AM

>One little useful bit of information. In some cases, coffee is a vasoconstrictor which affects the veins and arteries in the inner ear. I suffered one year from an excess of coffee which put me on my back with vertigo. I stopped the coffee (and strong tea) and it went away.

Frank Hamilton.<

Thanks for that bit of information, my dad has suffered with dizziness and Vertigo for most of his married life, he is 88 now but he has always had problems. It could have been due to the war but also he has had some heart problems. Whether or not it could have been due to medication, I remember there was a time that it had to be changed but I think that was all sorted out. However, he used to drink a lot of tea but now the older he has got the less he can drink so much and he doesn't seem to suffer so much with middle ear imbalances or the headaches that came with it. Added to that he completely quit smoking at 50. Better late than never, perhaps this was a contributor as well? But I seem to be the same as dad, cannot balance on a bike, if that is the case I will try not drinking so much tea or coffee and suggest to my dad that tea could be making him worse. He gave up cigarettes so I expect he can try that.

Subject: RE: BS: Dizziness and Benign Positional Vertigo
From: gnu
Date: 29 Sep 10 - 03:30 PM

Just read this... dunno if I am repeating...

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo Causes

The cause of BPPV is often a mystery and in about half of the occurrences of BPPV, the cause is never found. It is unclear why small particles (crystals) become dislodged within the inner ear. It may be due to minor head injury or because of repetitive head movement (for example; the up and down head movement that occurs when working in front of a computer screen or when cleaning or dusting above head level).

"the up and down head movement that occurs when working in front of a computer screen"

So that's why I am such a dizzy twit!

Subject: RE: BS: Dizziness and Benign Positional Vertigo
From: GUEST,DK
Date: 09 Dec 07 - 08:03 AM

Just a passing comment from my own experience with a 'benign' diagnosis. For me, and I suppose
most laymen, benign means something positive, good, friendly etc, but for the medical profession it means something that is not actually going to kill you, at least not directly, even if it does affect your quality of life severely.

Subject: RE: BS: Dizziness and Benign Positional Vertigo
From: Stringsinger
Date: 08 Dec 07 - 05:21 PM

One little useful bit of information. In some cases, coffee is a vasoconstrictor which affects the veins and arteries in the inner ear. I suffered one year from an excess of coffee which put me on my back with vertigo. I stopped the coffee (and strong tea) and it went away.

Frank Hamilton

Subject: RE: BS: Dizziness and Benign Positional Vertigo
From: Kent Davis
Date: 07 Dec 07 - 10:50 PM

A couple of my patients have had good results using Brandt-Daroff exercises for BPPV. Here's a link: http://www.cyberpt.com/CyberPTBPPV.asp
Kent

Subject: RE: BS: Dizziness and Benign Positional Vertigo
From: gnu
Date: 07 Dec 07 - 06:54 AM

Yes. Thanks all.

Subject: RE: BS: Dizziness and Benign Positional Vertigo
From: maeve
Date: 07 Dec 07 - 06:20 AM

It's an old thread, but reviving it seems to have been helpful. That's good! I do not miss the days when so much undercover sniping went on. LtS is, of course, still most capable of taking care of such foolishness.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: Dizziness and Benign Positional Vertigo
From: GUEST,BVP sufferer
Date: 07 Dec 07 - 03:07 AM

Thanks for this, I've been wondering if anyone else suffered, now I know.

And why pick on LtS, she's not theonly one here relating her own experiences

Subject: RE: BS: Dizziness and Benign Positional Vertigo
From: Rowan
Date: 07 Dec 07 - 12:39 AM

Guest, LtS may be a bit like me; although I can argue from basic principles I prefer to give (where possible) examples from my own experience.

I'm a bit older than some but not as old as many on this thread and, a year or so ago I went through a spell of nauseous dizziness. I could ascribe no presursor causes and the diagnosis was BPV; age wasn't mentioned as part of the diagnosis. The doctors who see me know that I have enough background to be able to challenge casual comments, demand proper explanation with supporting evidence and be able to understand almost all of it. So they usually give whatever's on their mind "straight".

I was prescribed some medecine (I forget what it was) but the slip with all the background and contraindications included 'depression' as a known side effect. Because of other medication to do with an eye condition (where depression is also a side effect) I decided not to take the BPV-specific medecine and see if I could just ride it out. Lucky me! I have, so far.

So, gnu, the only advice I can offer is that, if you can't change doctors, brief yourself with a bit of background reading and then keep asking the pointy questions (politely, at first) making it quite clear that, as the primary carer involved, you have a need for as much evidence-based information as possible. Most doctors these days will respond positively to such an approach but, if they want to pull the paternalist trick on you I'm sure you'll have what it takes to insist the doctor responds "properly" to your more and more detailed interrogations. If the doctor doesn't respond "properly" you may have grounds for a discussion about unprofessional conduct.

All the best!

Cheers, Rowan

Subject: RE: BS: Dizziness and Benign Positional Vertigo
From: Donuel
Date: 07 Dec 07 - 12:17 AM

If I look up my head fills with pressure akin to dizziness. Yet sky watching is my favorite thing so I have to keep a shallow angle.
Yu always hear [eople say don't look down. That doesn;t bother me in the slightest.

Subject: RE: BS: Dizziness and Benign Positional Vertigo
From: GUEST,69-year old female w/vertigo
Date: 06 Dec 07 - 09:12 PM

Hopefully, this will help others with vertigo. After eliminating cow's milk from my diet (plus cheese, cow milk yogurt, etc.), I have
been free from vertigo attacks. When I had an attack, I saw everything in double, images from both the left and right moved up and down at a slant, and I would vomit about 20 times a day. With my first episode, I had no idea was happening to me. When the problem persisted for eight hours, I went to the emergency room. The medication helped, but it didn't eliminate the nausea; even the thought of eating nauseated me.

Subject: RE: BS: Dizziness and Benign Positional Vertigo
From: open mike
Date: 23 Mar 05 - 10:17 PM

my mom had dizzy spells and was prescribed a nose spray that was supposed to fix the problem. It is probably an inner ear problem.
Good Luck.

Subject: RE: BS: Dizziness and Benign Positional Vertigo
From: Little Robyn
Date: 23 Mar 05 - 03:03 PM

I had balance problems when I had a dose of tinnitus. I was told that 'middle aged women' often get it and just have to live with it!
It cleared up when I found out dairy food can make things worse (here in good old NZ where everyone thinks milk and cheese and yoghurt and ice-cream etc. are good healthy foods!) and I became dairy-free.
It takes about a week before you notice any changes but it's worth a try. Just avoid anything made from cow's milk.
Robyn

Subject: RE: BS: Dizziness and Benign Positional Vertigo
From: GUEST,alan J.
Date: 23 Mar 05 - 10:23 AM

I have been having dizzy spells, especially when tilting my head to look down and to the right. At first high blood pressure was treated ( it was extremely high, now good as long as I keep taking the tablets).
I had treatment three weeks ago for BPPV. The specialist used the Epley manoeuvre (other treatments are possible, apparently America and Europe have different choices).
It involved having my head put into different positions, therefore not suitable for anyone with neck or back problems. For the following three days I had to keep my head still, no looking up or down or turning suddenly, and sleep sat up in a chair- not painful but very awkward.
The consultant said the success rate is about eighty percent. It does seem to have eased the problem when I tilt my head, but one of the P's stands for paroxymal, which means it comes and goes, so I might get the problem back again.
I also still get occasional dizziness, which seems linked to delays in getting something to eat, and stress from work.
Something you could check into is the Cawthorne-Cooksley exercises, that are meant to build up tolerance of the dizziness. These are probably not suitable for an elderly person unless they are still fairly fit. I didn't find they had much success for me.

Hope this helps

Alan J.

Subject: RE: BS: Dizziness and Benign Positional Vertigo
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Mar 05 - 09:36 AM

My mum had a neuroma removed from the nerve in her inner ear some time ago and has balance problems because of this. As part of her ongoing treatment she was sent to a "balance clinic" at the hospital. This has given her a number of exercises and strategies to help her cope. Maybe you could enquire with the doc whether any such advice is available for your mother.
And guest - lay off LtS - she's alright.

Subject: RE: BS: Dizziness and Benign Positional Vertigo
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Mar 05 - 08:49 AM

OK, gnu, I apologize for bad manners. But your Mum hasn't met LtS.

(Has anyone else noticed how LtSs posts are always about herself even in a thread about someone else?)

Subject: RE: BS: Dizziness and Benign Positional Vertigo
From: gnu
Date: 23 Mar 05 - 06:42 AM

Thanks again, guys. I truly appreciate your time and your effort in helping me... and possibly others reading this thread.

Subject: RE: BS: Dizziness and Benign Positional Vertigo
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 23 Mar 05 - 01:48 AM

gnu -

I haven't checked the books yet, but I believe that the condition you found does refer primarily to a vertigo associated with inner ear and/or nerve problems. Her doctor should be able to determine from examination whether that specific condition is likely in her case, and may have made such an examination.

A more general, and probably more common "postural hypotension" that can cause brief vertigo often occurs just from standing up from a sitting or prone position. Quite simply, if you were relaxed immediately before standing, your blood pressure and heart rate may be at their lowest. When you stand up quickly, gravity produces a pressure gradient between head and the rest of the body. It takes a moment for the circulation to "adjust" to the higher pressure required to pump blood uphill to the head, so the brain (all that generalized "stuff" that occupies the headbone) momentarily experiences a loss of circulation. The common "the blood runs out of your head" description is not really accurate, but the flow may "pause in place" until the circulatory system adjusts to the different pumping pressure needed to compensate for the head being suddenly higher.

This is generally considered a "benign" event, and about the only thing you can do about it is be aware that it happens and prevent falls that could cause injury. Usually just standing still for a moment or two takes care of it. It is sometimes suggested that persons who experience this should "get ready to stand up" by doing a few head swivels and some arm and leg motions before actually rising, just to "prime the pump," and this may be helpful for some.

This kind of postural hypotension can occur in people of any age, but often becomes more common in the elderly simply because their circulatory system becomes a little slower with its response. In the very elderly, sitting or lying down often is associated with much less "fidgeting" and the circulation may "relax" more than in younger persons. It may also seem to become more frequent simply because an elderly person may be much more concerned about the possibility of a fall, may be less certain of their ability to grab something for support that feels secure, and will likely pay more attention to these events - and report them as a concern.

There are numerous causes and conditions that can result in "postural vertigo," and the "text book symptoms" are pretty much the same for all of them. It requires examination of the patient to make any sort of confident evaluation, and to assign the symptoms to a particular cause. Her doctor may, or may not, have considered all possibilities; but it is quite true that some kinds of posture-related vertigo is more commonly reported by elderly patients. In many cases recommending caution to prevent falls is about all that can be done.

John

Subject: RE: BS: Dizziness and Benign Positional Vertigo
From: Metchosin
Date: 23 Mar 05 - 12:19 AM

Oh dear, pity my poor Mum, she had two redheads. I can recall when we were younger, her saying to my brother and I, "Other people have normal children, what did I do wrong to produce you two?"

Subject: RE: BS: Dizziness and Benign Positional Vertigo
From: Gypsy
Date: 22 Mar 05 - 10:44 PM

Any chance of checking out a chiropractor? Oftentimes, when i have vertigo, i need to have my neck worked on. Not a be-all cure-all, but might be something just that simple. The disrespect that your mothers md is showing her is totally contemptible.

Subject: RE: BS: Dizziness and Benign Positional Vertigo
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 22 Mar 05 - 07:56 PM

I would search the internet diligently..and I would look for a non-doctor who might help.. a nurse practitioner, physician assistant...must be someone somewhere.    mg

Subject: RE: BS: Dizziness and Benign Positional Vertigo
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 22 Mar 05 - 06:14 PM

Zactly!

LOL

Subject: RE: BS: Dizziness and Benign Positional Vertigo
From: gnu
Date: 22 Mar 05 - 06:00 PM

What's wrong with being redheaded!!?? I must say, I had a mass of red curls when I was a lad and I turned out... nevermind.

Subject: RE: BS: Dizziness and Benign Positional Vertigo
From: Ebbie
Date: 22 Mar 05 - 05:47 PM

hahha

Subject: RE: BS: Dizziness and Benign Positional Vertigo
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 22 Mar 05 - 05:06 PM

"Yo pooh muddah"

Any time I see any woman with a redheaded child, I, on behalf of my mother, sympathize!

:-)

Subject: RE: BS: Dizziness and Benign Positional Vertigo
From: gnu
Date: 22 Mar 05 - 05:03 PM

GUEST... what good did your post do? My Mum would not take kindly to your manners.

Subject: RE: BS: Dizziness and Benign Positional Vertigo
From: Ebbie
Date: 22 Mar 05 - 04:28 PM

I take your point, Clinton. Yo pooh muddah. (What an infant you still are. 34 years old? Amazing.)

Subject: RE: BS: Dizziness and Benign Positional Vertigo
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Mar 05 - 04:23 PM

What a surprise- another opportunity for LtS to talk about herself!

And what help is your little anecdote going to be to gnu or his ma, exactly?

Subject: RE: BS: Dizziness and Benign Positional Vertigo
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 22 Mar 05 - 03:50 PM

I'm almost 35 Ebbie... that's the joke...

Heh

So maybe it's reverse hereditary!

LOL

Subject: RE: BS: Dizziness and Benign Positional Vertigo
From: gnu
Date: 22 Mar 05 - 03:47 PM

Change doc's? No. Tried. Then tried to get her a female doc, as an angle to break through the system. No go. All docs are full up and not taking on new patients. There are many people here without a family doc... welcome to Canuck medicare. Of course, it's better than no medicare.

Meniere's? No.

Stuff doc? I'd like to stuff my foot up his ass.

I gave her a shitload of info on BPPV off the net, but she has been to the doc since and she did not bring it up. I doubt she will this time unless I can find something "new".

Thanks again to all who respond(ed).

Subject: RE: BS: Dizziness and Benign Positional Vertigo
From: Ebbie
Date: 22 Mar 05 - 03:38 PM

Oh dear, Clinton. Do you realize it's hereditary? ;)

Subject: RE: BS: Dizziness and Benign Positional Vertigo
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 22 Mar 05 - 03:36 PM

My mom's been dizzy for almost 35 years now...

:-P

Subject: RE: BS: Dizziness and Benign Positional Vertigo
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 22 Mar 05 - 03:31 PM

I have BPV, it's not a great deal to do with age. It's a lot more noticeable when I'm under stress but was always there - I could never stand the dentists chair, when the dentist tipped it back, more often than not, I'd throw up in his lap.

By all means mention the dizziness when she gets her back checked out... the spinal column goes all the way up as well as down!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Dizziness and Benign Positional Vertigo
From: Kim C
Date: 22 Mar 05 - 03:26 PM

I'm 37 and have had vertigo for the last 3 years. At first it was pretty severe, and I was miserable. It went away, and I didn't think about it much. Then it came back, and I called the doctor. Having no symptoms of anything else, they pronounced BPPV and set me up with a small-dose diuretic to balance fluids in my inner ear. I also have some Bonine on hand in case of emergency - they have newer, less-drowsy formulas now and I haven't had any trouble with them.

I haven't had a severe attack in awhile, but I have to pay attention to things like turning my head too quickly, or looking up while I'm in motion (i.e., looking up at the stars while taking a walk!). Gotta watch some of those yoga positions as well, but for the most part, it's all right. Seems to get worse during allergy season when my head is congested.

I've also read that dizziness can accompany menopause and pre-menopause.

Subject: RE: BS: Dizziness and Benign Positional Vertigo
From: freda underhill
Date: 22 Mar 05 - 03:15 PM

That doctor is dismissing your mother rather than treating her. maybe he needs to update his training.

who do you care about most - your mother or the doctor? and who are you responsible for?

stuff the doc.

Subject: RE: BS: Dizziness and Benign Positional Vertigo
From: Mary in Kentucky
Date: 22 Mar 05 - 01:52 PM

I have two conditions which are similar - but not the same.

1. Due to my MS, I have "equilibrium problems." My understanding is that this is probably due to nerve damage of the nerves leading to and from the cerebellum. I've learned to be very careful when walking in an unfamiliar location, when rising from a seated position, and especially when turning. I'm most disoriented when I cannot see the ground or am climbing stairs and momentarily on one foot. I have to be especially careful in crowds and climbing bleachers in sports stadiums. Walking on ice is nearly impossible because I don't have the ability to recover from a tilt. My advice to my elderly friends who are new to this, is to go slow and always have one hand ready for a handrail or the wall. When rising from a chair, wait for the stiffness to subside before taking a step. Vision is extremely important in balance, so always use the ability to see the ground. One other thing - anecdotal MS stories refer to purposeful "swaying" in order to keep control of the equilibrium. Also, a wide walking and standing stance helps. (MS people often wear their shoes out on the outsides of the soles first.)

2. The other condition is severe vertigo. I've only had it the last few years. An attack only lasts 15 seconds at the most, but it is similar to extreme seasickness. I always have it when I have a respiratory infection, and since I live in the world's number one area for springtime allergies (accoring to Claritin), I assume it is related to fluid on my ears. (middle ear, common among allergy sufferers) So far an antihistamine helps the condition. The worst thing is when I'm lying in bed and have to turn over. I just brace myself for several seconds of severe nausea. If your mother has a treatable condition, she should not waste time getting help.

As far as the doc - IMO, any doctor worth his/her salt will welcome a second opinion. All mine do, and I've certainly used the option. I do understand the hesitation with changing docs; that can cause lost time. I think you can tell the doc that you are concerned and want to pursue this further. My doc hates it when I ask questions, but I finally learned to get her talking about her dogs or kids, then laughing, then zap her with a direct question. Ususally I have to ask it three times before I get an answer!

Subject: RE: BS: Dizziness and Benign Positional Vertigo
From: Ebbie
Date: 22 Mar 05 - 01:49 PM

I suppose that Meniere's has been ruled out? A friend of mine had that condition for a number of years but is not currently bothered by it. It was bad enough that on occasion she actually lay down on the floor. Scary and unsettling.

"A typical attack of Ménière's disease is preceded by fullness in one ear. Hearing fluctuation or changes in tinnitus may also precede an attack. A Ménière's episode generally involves severe vertigo (spinning), imbalance, nausea and vomiting. The average attack lasts two to four hours. Following a severe attack, most people find that they are exhausted and must sleep for several hours. There is a large amount of variability in the duration of symptoms. Some people experience brief "shocks", and others have constant unsteadiness. An unusual sensitivity to visual stimuli is common. (Lacour, 1997)

"A particularly disabling symptom is a sudden fall that may occur without warning. These are called "otolithic crisis of Tumarkin", from the original description of Tumarkin (1936). These are attributed to sudden mechanical deformation of the otolith organs (utricle and saccule), causing a sudden activation of vestibular reflexes. Patients suddenly feel that they are tilted or falling (although they may be straight), and bring about much of the rapid repositioning themselves. This is a very disabling symptom as it occurs without warning and can result in severe injury. Often destructive treatment (e.g. labyrinthectomy or vestibular nerve section) is the only way to manage this problem. Other otologic conditions also occasionally are associated with Tumarkin type falls (Ishiyama et al, 2003). See here for more information about drop attacks."

Meniere's Disease

Subject: RE: BS: Dizziness and Benign Positional Vertigo
From: Amos
Date: 22 Mar 05 - 01:29 PM

For some reason I keep thinking of the particularly benevolent vertigo associated with certain horizontal positions and the dances done therewith...

A

Subject: RE: BS: Dizziness and Benign Positional Vertigo
From: Noreen
Date: 22 Mar 05 - 01:16 PM

From http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/conditions/vertigo1.shtml#benign_positional_vertigo:

Benign positional vertigo
For some people, the recurrent attacks of vertigo may be short-lived. The most likely cause is a condition called benign positional vertigo. This tends to affect older people and any sudden movement of the head (usually head turning) brings on acute vertigo without warning. Although it tends to last under a minute, it can be very unpleasant and disabling.

As with other causes of vertigo, this type usually follows a viral infection or is a result of inflammation or damage to the middle ear. Fortunately, it usually settles after a few months without treatment. Specialist physiotherapy can benefit some sufferers if the symptoms persist.

A more doctor-focussed explanation is at: http://www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/40002345/

Both say it should get better of its own accord in a few months, if this is what it is.
(I give out this sort of info as part of my day job).

Subject: RE: BS: Dizziness and Benign Positional Vertigo
From: jeffp
Date: 22 Mar 05 - 01:12 PM

From the University of California at San Diege:

"What are the treatments for BPPV?

Once tests have confirmed the diagnosis of BPPV and the affected ear, patients are instructed to avoid lying down on the affected side. Usually, medications like Antivert (meclizine), Dramamine, Valium, or Phenergan are not recommended because they cause sedation. By carefully avoiding the provocative position, patients can usually avoid bringing about the symptoms. If left untreated, the condition usually clears within several weeks."

If, as you say, this has been going on for several years, it may suggest that it is not BPPV.

Around here, you CANNOT get a second opinion unless YOUR doctor sends you to a specialist.

Can you change doctors?

Subject: RE: BS: Dizziness and Benign Positional Vertigo
From: gnu
Date: 22 Mar 05 - 12:56 PM

Ahhhh, there's the rub. Not around here my friend. Read between the lines. I asked my doctor, a friend with whom I attended university, drank with, caroused with, hunted with, beat his ass in squash AND chess... his answer, as I stated above, just about made me shit. Around here, you CANNOT get a second opinion unless YOUR doctor sends you to a specialist. Seriously... it's "case closed".

Subject: RE: BS: Dizziness and Benign Positional Vertigo
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 22 Mar 05 - 12:41 PM

Get a second opinion, you're entitled to one.
Giok

Subject: BS: Dizziness and Benign Positional Vertigo
From: gnu
Date: 22 Mar 05 - 12:38 PM

Anyone have or know anyone, especially elderly, dealing with this? If so, and if applicable to my problem, can you share your knowledge with me?

Here's my problem...

My mother, 78 years young, has been dealing with dizzy spells for a few years.

Her doctor offered her this a couple of years ago, "Well, you know, D***, the age is there." I just about shit. I wanted to strangle the bastard, but, he's a well respected doctor and he treated my father and my mother well over the years. I voiced my displeaseure to Mum, but, hey, the doctor is God. Never question his wisdom. I shut up.

I recently searched the net and found Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) well explained. She's got all the symptoms and at the usual times. To a TEE.

Last week, I told the story to my doctor and asked him his opinion. He said BPPV was doubtfully the cause in an eldery person and that dizziness was common with age. I just about shit. Who gives a crap about age? Should not diagnoses and prognoses and treatments be based on symptoms and investigation?

Today, the poor old girl appears to have a pinched nerve in the lower back and could barely stand this morning. She was given an appointment for Monday. I'd like to hear from others so that I might be able to pressure her to speak to him again about "the dizzies" while she's there. Or, should I keep my mouth shut?

Thanks in advance to all who respond.