Vestibular Physiotherapy
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
If you experience sudden episodes of dizziness, where the room feels like it’s spinning when you roll over in bed, look up, bend over or turn your head, you may have Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) – the most common cause of vertigo.
Although the name sounds complicated, BPPV is a common and highly treatable inner ear condition. At Advanced Neuro Rehab, our experienced Vestibular Physiotherapists provide assessment and treatment for BPPV to help relieve dizziness, restore balance and get you back to your normal activities as quickly as possible.
What is BPPV?
BPPV is caused by tiny calcium crystals (“ear crystals”) becoming displaced within the balance organs of the inner ear. When you move your head into certain positions, these crystals move inside the inner ear and send incorrect signals to your brain, creating the sensation that you or the room is spinning (vertigo).
The dizziness usually lasts only a few seconds, but it can feel intense and unsettling.
Common Symptoms of BPPV
People with BPPV often describe:
- A spinning sensation (vertigo) when rolling over in bed
- Dizziness when looking up or bending down
- Feeling unsteady or off balance
- Nausea or vomiting during dizzy episodes
- Increased risk of falls
- Reduced confidence walking or moving around
Many people feel completely normal between episodes, while others continue to feel slightly “off balance” or unsteady throughout the day.
The condition is not dangerous, but the dizziness can significantly affect daily life and increase the risk of falling if left untreated.
How is BPPV Diagnosed?
Our Vestibular Physiotherapists perform a thorough assessment of your symptoms before carrying out specific positional tests to determine whether These examinations help us confirm if BPPV is the source of your dizziness and pinpoint the exact variation, given that it can affect any of the six canals in various ways.
These tests involve moving your head into certain positions to reproduce your symptoms while observing your eye movements (called nystagmus). Although this can temporarily bring on your dizziness, it is the most accurate way to diagnose BPPV and identify which part of the inner ear is affected.
BPPV Treatment
The good news is that BPPV is one of the most effectively treated causes of dizziness.
Treatment involves a series of gentle head and body movements, known as repositioning manoeuvres (such as the Epley manoeuvre), which guide the displaced crystals back to where they belong within the inner ear.
While some variations of BPPV may necessitate further clinical sessions, many individuals notice a substantial reduction in symptoms after their first consultation. Our tailored approach aims to resolve your dizziness efficiently.
After performing these manoeuvres, our clinicians conduct a thorough follow-up assessment to ensure your vertigo has resolved. We also provide professional advice on enhancing your balance and mobility, helping you regain the confidence needed to return to your daily routine safely.
When Should You Seek Medical Attention?
Although BPPV is a common and benign condition, dizziness can sometimes indicate a more serious medical problem.
Seek urgent medical attention if your dizziness is accompanied by:
- Sudden weakness or numbness in your face, arm or leg
- Difficulty speaking or swallowing
- Double vision
- Loss of consciousness
- Sudden hearing loss
- Sudden unexplained falls
These symptoms require immediate medical assessment.
Why Choose Advanced Neuro Rehab?
Our Vestibular Physiotherapists have extensive experience assessing and treating all forms of BPPV, including more complex and multi-canal presentations.
We provide evidence-based vestibular physiotherapy to accurately diagnose the cause of your dizziness and deliver effective treatment, helping you recover quickly and safely.
If you’re experiencing vertigo, dizziness or balance problems, our vestibular physiotherapy team is here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can physiotherapy treat vertigo?
Yes. If your vertigo is caused by BPPV, vestibular physiotherapy is considered the most effective treatment. Most people improve rapidly following repositioning manoeuvres performed by a trained Vestibular Physiotherapist. Beyond BPPV, our team designs evidence-based vestibular rehabilitation programs specifically tailored to address a wide range of other vestibular disorders and balance concerns.
Why do I feel dizzy when I roll over in bed?
This is one of the most common symptoms of BPPV. Rolling over changes the position of the displaced crystals within the inner ear, triggering a brief spinning sensation.
Does BPPV/vertigo go away on its own?
Sometimes it can, but symptoms may persist for weeks or months and often return. Consulting with a specialist Vestibular Physiotherapist for a comprehensive assessment and targeted treatment often leads to a significantly faster resolution of your symptoms.
Is BPPV/vertigo serious?
BPPV itself is not dangerous, but it can increase your risk of falls and significantly affect your confidence and quality of life. It is important to have dizziness assessed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes.
