Understanding BPPV: A Physiotherapist’s Guide to Vertigo

Have you ever experienced a dizzy spell, the ground moving under your feet, or feel like your head is spinning? Perhaps that was Vertigo?

Vertigo is a dizzying condition that many people experience, and it can range from mildly annoying to seriously debilitating. One of the most common causes of vertigo is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), a condition that causes a spinning sensation when you move your head in certain ways.

At PhysioWest we often encounter patients who are frustrated and confused by their sudden bouts of dizziness. In this blog, we’ll break down what BPPV is, why it happens, how it’s treated, and what you can expect if you find yourself facing this condition.

What is BPPV?

Before diving into BPPV, it’s helpful to understand how the balance system works in your body.

Your inner ear plays a key role in maintaining your sense of balance. Within the inner ear, there are tiny structures called semicircular canals and otolith organs. These components work together to detect motion and changes in head position. These signals are then sent to the brain, which processes the information and helps you stay balanced.

BPPV specifically affects the semicircular canals. When certain particles (called “otoconia”) become dislodged from their usual position in the otolith organs and travel into the semicircular canals, they can cause a false signal to be sent to the brain. This leads to the feeling of spinning or vertigo.

What actually causes vertigo?

So, what causes these little particles to become dislodged in the first place? The exact cause of BPPV is not always clear, but there are a few common triggers and risk factors:

Age: BPPV is more common as people age, often affecting individuals over 50. This is likely due to wear and tear in the inner ear structures, leading to an increased chance of the particles becoming loose.

Head Injury: A knock to the head, whether from a fall or sports injury, can sometimes cause the particles in the inner ear to shift out of place.

Other Inner Ear Conditions: If you’ve experienced other inner ear issues, like a viral infection, inflammation, or even a surgery involving the ear, this can increase your risk of developing BPPV.

Prolonged Bed Rest: In some cases, people who are bedridden for extended periods may develop BPPV due to a lack of movement and the shifting of particles in the inner ear.

No Clear Cause: Sometimes, BPPV can occur without any specific reason or injury. This is referred to as ‘idiopathic BPPV’ and is more common in older adults.

Though BPPV may feel alarming, it is not a life-threatening condition. The vertigo caused by BPPV is typically brief, but intense, and usually occurs when you move your head in certain ways, such as looking up, bending down, or rolling over in bed.

How do physiotherapists treat vertigo?

When you experience vertigo, you might feel disoriented and unsure of how to handle the situation. Luckily, BPPV can often be treated effectively through physiotherapy.

One of the most common treatments physiotherapists use is called the Epley manoeuvre, a series of head movements designed to move the dislodged particles back into their proper position in the ear. The Epley manoeuvre is a simple and non-invasive treatment that is performed by a trained physiotherapist. Here’s a brief breakdown of what happens during the procedure:

Positioning: You will be seated on an examination table, and the physiotherapist will guide you into a series of head and body positions while keeping you in a reclined posture.

Guided Movements: The physiotherapist will move your head into different positions to encourage the dislodged particles to move back to the proper area of the inner ear. This may involve tilting your head backwards and rolling from one side to the other.

Resting: After the manoeuvre, you’ll be asked to rest in a certain position for a few minutes to ensure the particles are in their correct position.

The Epley manoeuvre is usually very effective and often provides immediate relief. In some cases, it may take a few sessions to resolve the symptoms completely.

What can I expect from vertigo treatment?

If you’ve been diagnosed with BPPV, you may be wondering what to expect from treatment. The good news is that BPPV is highly treatable, and most people experience significant improvement after a few sessions with your physiotherapist.

After the Epley manoeuvre or other repositioning techniques, you may feel immediate relief or some mild dizziness as the particles settle into their new position. It’s important to follow your physiotherapist’s advice carefully, especially when it comes to movements after the procedure. Your physiotherapist may recommend avoiding certain positions for a brief period to avoid dislodging the particles again.

Although BPPV can be treated effectively, some individuals experience recurring episodes. To prevent future occurrences, your physiotherapist may suggest implementing some lifestyle changes. This may include;

Balance exercises: Regular balance and strengthening exercises to improve your stability.

Sleep Position Modifications: Sleeping with your head slightly elevated or avoiding certain sleeping positions may help prevent future issues.

Avoiding Sudden Head Movements: When you know that you’re prone to BPPV, it’s helpful to move your head slowly, especially when looking up or bending down.

What’s the prognosis for someone suffering with vertigo?

The prognosis for BPPV is generally very positive. With the right treatment, most people recover completely or experience significant improvements in their symptoms. In fact, BPPV is considered “benign”, meaning it is not life-threatening and typically does not lead to long-term problems.

However, some people may experience recurrent episodes, particularly as they age. In these cases, repeat treatments such as the Epley manoeuvre may be necessary. For others, lifestyle changes and balance exercises can help keep the condition under control and minimise the frequency of episodes.

In rare cases, BPPV may be a symptom of a more serious underlying issue, such as an infection or another vestibular disorder. If symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to consult with your doctor or physiotherapist to rule out any other conditions.

BPPV is a common cause of vertigo that can be effectively treated with the right approach. At PhysioWest, we see firsthand how frustrating and disorienting it can be, but we also know that with the right treatment you can find relief and regain your balance.

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of vertigo, don’t hesitate to consult with one of our amazing physiotherapists. With proper care and a few simple manoeuvres, you can take control of your dizziness and get back to living your life!

If you or someone that you love are experiencing vertigo symptoms, book online via the link below or give our friendly Client Care Team a call on 8352 3582 to book in with one of our physiotherapists! We can’t wait to see you in the clinic soon.

 

 

Thanks!