BPPV is the most common cause of episodic vertigo/dizziness. It occurs when otoconia, or “crystals” as they are commonly called, become displaced within the inner ear. This causes a disruption to the vestibular system, which is responsible for maintaining balance and equilibrium. This disruption then leads to a feeling of “room spinning” dizziness that is provoked by changes in position, such as when you lie down in bed, roll over, or bend down to pick something up from the floor. Episodes are typically brief, lasting less than a minute. Additional symptoms that could be experienced with BPPV include imbalance, nausea, and lightheadedness. Causes of BPPV can include head trauma, aging, dehydration, and viral illness.
How can physical therapy help?
A comprehensive evaluation will allow us to determine that you are experiencing vertigo due to BPPV. Once this is established, one of our trained physical therapists will guide and assist you through a maneuver that consists of a series of position changes. These maneuvers will remove the “crystals” from the area in your vestibular system that is provoking your vertigo symptoms. The majority of patients with BPPV will experience complete resolution of symptoms within one to two treatments.