Extra! Extra! Djinn Genie's Dizziness Diagnosed!

Dr. Epley is most widely noted for his "Canalith Theory" as the cause of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), and for development of the "Epley Maneuvers" for its treatment. This treatment and the supporting concepts are regarded as one of the greatest breakthroughs in the vestibular field in the past century.

All of you familiar with A Dizzy Life know that its namesake, Djinn Genie, has suffered symptoms of vertigo and dizziness for the last year. The search for treatment and diagnosis has been frustrating - no less than four supposed medical professionals were unable to determine the cause. Recently however, serendipity stepped in and saved the day. During a Google search on all things dizzy, I came across the man above (no divine intervention implied). Dr. John Epley is a pioneer in the field of vestibular inner-ear disorders, and the inventor of a treatment known as the "Epley Maneuver." Not only is this guy world-renowned, he is based right here in Portland, OR.
After a phone interview with Epley's assistant, Djinn was scheduled immediately for evaluation. Yesterday she underwent a 5-hour series of tests and analysis with the man himself - who did what apparently no one else could: give a definitive diagnosis. She has a case of Inner- ear concussion (IEC) - the result of a fall down the stairs in Salt Lake City three years ago. A jarring of the inner- ear can cause the balance sensors to become deranged or unable to function in an organized manner. The deranged inner- ear reacts to stimuli (sound, pressure, etc.) that it would not otherwise react to, sending misinformation to the brain regarding the body's position with respect to gravity and/or directional orientation. The result can be nausea, imbalance, intermittent vertigo or some combination thereof. Cognitive problems often follow, as the patient's brain must devote an inordinate percentage of function to coping with the false messages of body and gravity orientation it receives. Symptoms typically progress slowly over a period of months - which is exactly what happened.
Djinn was also diagnosed with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), due to small crystals of calcium carbonate debris which have collected within a part of the inner- ear - again the result of inner- ear trauma. This is the condition the Epley Maneuver is designed to treat. Rather than performing these movements manually, Dr. Epley has invented The Omniax - an automated, omni-axial, custom-built chair capable of moving a patient through 360 degrees in any plane and assuming any position relative to gravity. These movements reposition the crystals, allowing them to dissolve naturally. Djinn will be taking a ride on the Omnimax in about ten days. Treatment also has her on a histamine drug to facilitate healing of the damaged tissues in the inner ear.
This is fantastic news, and will likely result in a complete recovery for our beloved Djinn Genie! Yay!...
Love and happiness, GeeBee.