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Nystagmus, Benign Paroxysmal Positional

Important
It is possible that the main title of the report Nystagmus, Benign Paroxysmal Positional is not the name you expected. Please check the synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and disorder subdivision(s) covered by this report.

Synonyms

BPPN
Cupulolithiasis
Labyrinthine Positional Nystagmus
Paroxysmal Positional Nystagmus

Disorder Subdivisions

None

General Discussion

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Nystagmus is a disorder of the vestibular system in the middle ear that causes dizziness due to altered function of the semicircular canals, usually involving the posterior canal but sometimes involving the horizontal canal. The dizziness, which is accompanied by abnormal eye movements or nystagmus, occurs suddenly and without warning; thus, it is "paroxysmal". It is also "positional" because the symptoms increase with certain movements of the head or body. It is the position of the head, rather than the movement, that causes the symptoms.

Resources

Vestibular Disorders Association (VEDA)
P.O. Box 13305
Portland, OR 97213
USA
Tel: 5032297705
Fax: 5032298064
Tel: 8008378428
Email: veda@vestibular.org
Internet: http://www.vestibular.org

EAR (Education and Auditory Research) Foundation
P.O. Box 330867
Nashville, TN 37203
Tel: (615)627-2724
Tel: (800)545-4327
TDD: (615)284-7849
Email: suzanne@earfoundation.org
Internet: http://www.earfoundation.org

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
31 Center Drive
8A07
Bethesda, MD 20892-2540
Tel: (301)496-5751
Fax: (301)402-2186
Tel: (800)352-9424
Email: braininfo@ninds.nih.gov
Internet: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/

American Nystagmus Network, Inc.
303-D Beltine Place SW #321
Decatur, AL 35603
USA
Email: webmaster@nystagmus.org
Internet: http://www.nystagmus.org

American Academy of Audiology
11730 Plaza America
#300
Reston, VA 20190
Tel: (703)790-8466
Fax: (703)790-8631
Tel: (800)222-2336
Email: info@audiology.org
Internet: http://www.audiology.org

For a Complete Report:

This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. ® (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be obtained for a small fee by visiting the NORD website. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational treatments (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of this topic, see http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdblist.html

The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of their own personal physicians.

It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report.

This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.

For additional information and assistance about rare disorders, please contact the National Organization for Rare Disorders at P.O. Box 1968, Danbury, CT 06813-1968; phone (203) 744-0100; web site www.rarediseases.org or email orphan@rarediseases.org

Last Updated: 5/30/2000
Copyright 1987, 1989, 1998, 2000 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.

WebMD Medical Reference from the National Organization of Rare Disorders

Last Updated: May 30, 2000

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.