I've heard other aerobatic pilots talk of vertigo, but I'd never experienced it myself until until recently.

I haven't done any hard aerobatics (it's too cold for Pitts where I am right now) for several months. Plus 2.5, minus 0.5 g is probably all I've seen in the last six weeks.

A few weeks ago I got up from bed, and the room began to spin for a few seconds then everyhing was fine. I experimented a bit and found that if I tilt my head back and look left the spins begin and then typically subside within five seconds. If I maintain my head in this position I'm fine. As soon as I return my head to 'straight and level' the opposite spin occurs, and again subsides typically in about five seconds. If I attempt the same exercise but tilt back and right, there is no phenomenon.

The condition persisted for about two weeks and subsided for several days. The spins returned after a few long duty days last week, and have persisted. I sit right seat for a living, and thus looking up, back, and left to perform various tasks is part of my job. I have not had any episodes on duty, but I am of course concerned.

The only strange flight condition I've experienced in the last few weeks was a practice emergency descent from FL220 to 6000 in about three minutes. I can't say for sure, but it seems to me the episodes may have started shortly after that.

The condition is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, and is better known as 'ear rocks'. It is essentially pieces of stray calcium floating around in the middle ear. The conventional treatment is 95% successful, and apparently for the balance there is a simple and effective surgical procedure as well. I am undergoing treatment now, and the symptoms are diminishing.

My concerns are: will the resumption of aerobatics in the spring be likely to cause a recurrence? (I don't believe they were the cause) Should you fly aerobatics while the condition is active?

• RE: Vertigo,Ben_Chiu, 20:03z, 02-07-04
• RE: Vertigo,vgbaron, 20:05z, 02-07-04
• RE: Vertigo,Patty_Wagstaff, 14:32z, 02-14-04
• RE: MCGOWAN,eria9, 22:13z, 04-19-06

Greetings James:

You probably want to talk to an AME that specializes in aerobatics and inner ear problems. I don't know of any off hand, but I'd imagine that military flight surgeon might be able to answer your questions as well.

On the civilian side, you might start with an AME that specializes in aerobatics. Dr. Brent Blue (an MD for the US Aerobatics Team) might be able to either answer your question or point you in the right direction. He's a busy guy, but you can try him at brent.blue@aeromedix.com.

Ben

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Hi James -

I have had BPPV for years and it takes a bit of getting used to. From all the research that I have done and doctors, etc that I've spoken to - consider surgery as the LAST RESORT!

Altho I was a pilot, I can't speak to aerobatics - however, in my case the attacks were never sudden - I'd notice a slight dizziness upon arising etc. and then, over a period of days, it would either go away or get worse. In the worst case scenario, I would NOT want to be piloting an aircraft if I was having a severe attack. It's like the absolutely worst drunk you've ever had, eyes moving rapidly from side to side with the accompanying nausea. Mild attacks would be no problem.

I'm sure your physician will show you the simple procedure for "moving the rocks" which involves lying down in a certain position. Plenty of data available on the internet.

From another who has rocks in his head -

Vic

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Dear James

I've been lucky and careful, so haven't had vertigo, but most of the other akro pilots who fly unlimited that I know have had it. There are several theories about it, one suggests that sudden head movements will precipitate it. I believe that rapid onset of Negative G's, and not building up enough negative G tolerance will contribute. There is an article in the recent Sport Aerobatics about a study done. The one thread they found to be consistent in people who flew akro and did not suffer from vertigo was strength training, so it's something to consider if not already part of your workout routine.

From what I know, the way to help it is not to fly and then to build up the G's slowly. You need to give it a 2 week or so period to go away, then start again. I would probably not fly while the vertigo is active and you think it could reappear.

While I haven't had vertigo, I've heard that Sudafed (30 mg over the counter, little red pills) is very, very helpful to decrease congestion in your ears. This might be exactly what you need. Take two of them before you fly and continue to take them. Also Claritin D has a decongestant and if you have allergies is good to take and as far as I know, can be taken while flying.

Hope all works out well.

Patty

Does anyone remember an aerobatic crash during practice in California in the 1970s involving a pilot with last name of McGowan?