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You’re standing quietly when suddenly… everything starts spinning. This sensation of vertigo, as unexpected as it is uncomfortable, affects many people. But did you know that the cause could be as tiny as a grain of sand? In some cases, small crystals displaced in the inner ear are responsible. Good news: there are simple, natural, and effective ways to alleviate these sensations.
What’s happening in our inner ear?
In our ear, more precisely in a structure called the vestibule, are calcium carbonate crystals called otoliths. Their role? To help the body detect movement and maintain balance. They work in collaboration with sensory cilia, a bit like position sensors.
But sometimes, these crystals move where they shouldn’t. As a result, the brain receives conflicting information, and you feel like the room is spinning when everything is still. This is called benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (or BPPV).
Why do these crystals move?
Several factors can contribute to this imbalance:
Head trauma: A fall or impact can displace the crystals.
Aging: With age, these structures become more fragile.
Certain ENT infections: These can disrupt the balance system.
Drug treatments: Certain medications influence calcium metabolism.
Calcium or vitamin D deficiency: Our diet also plays a key role!
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