Understanding Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
Physiotherapy Offers Effective Treatment for BPPV Symptoms
Have you ever experienced a sudden spinning sensation when you roll over in bed or tilt your head back? If so, you’re not alone. Millions of people worldwide experience this dizzying condition known as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). While it can be unsettling, the good news is that BPPV is a common and treatable form of vertigo.
In this blog post, we’ll learn about the causes, risk factors, and symptoms of this complex condition.
BPPV’s Connection to the Inner Ear
BPPV occurs when tiny calcium crystals, called otoconia, that normally reside in a part of your inner ear become dislodged. These crystals then migrate into the semicircular canals, which are fluid-filled structures responsible for balance. When you move your head, the crystals shift, sending false signals to your brain and triggering the sensation of spinning or vertigo.
Several factors can increase your risk of developing BPPV, including:
Age
- BPPV is more common in people over 50
Head injury
- A blow to the head can dislodge otoconia
Inner ear conditions
- Certain conditions can predispose you to BPPV
The hallmark symptom of BPPV is a sudden, intense feeling of spinning or tilting, usually triggered by specific head movements. Other common symptoms include:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of balance
- Nystagmus (rapid, involuntary eye movements)
The vertigo episodes typically last less than a minute, but the associated dizziness and nausea can linger for some time.
Repositioning the Otoconia
A woman in her mid-60s came to our clinic with reports of frequent dizzy spells that occurred whenever she got out of bed or tilted her head back to look up. She had tried over-the-counter medications, but they did not provide the lasting relief she was looking for. Her doctor diagnosed her with BPPV and referred her to our clinic for treatment.
After a thorough assessment, we explained that the crystals in her inner ear had become dislodged and were causing her vertigo. We designed a personalized series of specific head movements designed to reposition the crystals.
The Epley Maneuver for BPPV
- She moved into a sitting position on the affected side, and her physiotherapist rotated her head 90 degrees to the opposite side, maintaining 30 degrees of extension. Then she rolled onto the unaffected side with her head looking down. While maintaining head rotation, she sat up slowly at the side of the bed. She was instructed to hold each position until the vertigo and nystagmus had stopped and then for an additional number of times.
The Semont Maneuver for BPPV
- In this procedure, she sat with her head rotated 45 degrees towards the unaffected ear. Her physiotherapist placed one hand under the bottommost shoulder, and the other hand supported the neck. Then she quickly laid down on the affected side, with her face oriented towards the ceiling, and held there for 30 seconds. Then, without any head movement, she turned to the opposite side, her face oriented towards the bed. This position is also held for 30 seconds.
We also taught Mary some exercises she could do at home to maintain her progress and prevent future episodes of BPPV. After several sessions of physiotherapy and home exercises, she was able to resume her daily activities without fear of vertigo. She was grateful for the relief she had found and was amazed at how simple and effective the treatment had been.
BPPV Treatment at Physio For Life
If you’re struggling with the debilitating symptoms of BPPV, don’t let it control your life. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.