Agape Physio can treat...

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

BPPV is one of the most common causes of vertigo — the sudden sensation that you’re spinning or that the inside of your head is spinning. BPPV causes brief episodes of mild to intense dizziness, typically triggered by specific changes in the position of your head. This might occur when you tip your head up or down, when you lie down, or when you turn over or sit up in bed. Despite its unsettling nature, BPPV is usually not serious except when it increases the risk of falls. Here’s an overview of BPPV, the symptoms patients may experience, and how physiotherapy can help.

About this condition

BPPV is related to the inner ear and occurs when tiny calcium particles (canaliths) clump up in canals of the inner ear. The inner ear sends signals to the brain about head and body movements relative to gravity. When these particles move to areas in the ear where they shouldn’t be, they can interfere with the fluid movement that the ear uses to sense balance, thus causing vertigo.

What you may be feeling

Episodes of dizziness with a spinning sensation (vertigo), typically lasting less than one minute.
Nausea and sometimes vomiting associated with severe vertigo.
Unsteadiness when walking, especially in the dark.
Nystagmus, where the eyes make repetitive, uncontrolled movements, usually side to side, up and down, or in a circular motion.
Symptoms are often triggered by changes in head position, such as tipping the head up or down, lying back, turning over in bed, or sitting up.

How we can help you

Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers

The Epley maneuver and the Semont maneuver are common procedures used to treat BPPV. These maneuvers involve sequential movements of the head into specific positions, aiming to move the dislodged canaliths to a part of the ear where they won’t cause vertigo.

Brandt-Daroff Exercises

These are a series of movements you can do at home that may help relieve vertigo symptoms. They involve sitting upright, lying down on one side until vertigo ceases, sitting up, and then lying down on the other side.

Education

Providing information about BPPV, including potential triggers and how to manage symptoms if they recur.

Follow-Up and Additional Support

If symptoms persist, the maneuvers can be repeated, and in rare cases where these treatments are not effective, other interventions may be explored.

So, what next?

The effectiveness of treatment for BPPV is generally very high, with many patients experiencing relief after one or two treatment sessions. It’s important for patients to be assessed and treated by a healthcare professional trained in vestibular rehabilitation to ensure the manoeuvres are performed correctly and safely.

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