Sudden episodes of vertigo are not only frustrating, nauseating, and demoralizing, they can also be dangerous to yourself or others. While vertigo can be caused by several different disorders, one of the most common is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). The good news? BPPV is often effectively treatable, and physical therapy offers some of the most consistently successful treatments available.
What is BPPV vertigo?
Vertigo isn’t a condition in itself; it’s a symptom that can be caused by a number of underlying issues with your inner ear. One of the more common causes of vertigo is BPPV, although there are many other conditions that cause vertigo that may be at play.
Within the inner ear, which is filled with fluid, there is a lining of calcium carbonate called otoconia. If the otoconia is damaged or disrupted in some way, small pieces of the hard lining, often referred to as “crystals,” can break off and move through the fluid in the inner ear.
If these crystals reach the region of your inner ear called the semicircular canal, they can physically stimulate the sensitive nerve endings located there. This causes your brain to receive incorrect signals about body movement, resulting in the spinning sensation of vertigo.
What does vertigo feel like?
One of the hallmark sensations of positional vertigo is a spinning or whirling feeling, despite staying still. This is often triggered by specific movements or head positions, such as:
- Rolling over in bed
- Tilting your head back
- Bending down to pick something up
- Changing positions suddenly
People often describe BPPV episodes as short-lived but incredibly intense. So although vertigo itself isn’t life-threatening, the disorientation it causes can lead to dangerous situations, such as falls or car accidents if they occur while driving. Additionally, enduring repeat episodes can severely impact your quality of life.
Who can diagnose BPPV?
The first step in treating BPPV is identifying it correctly. While vertigo can be caused by various conditions, it has specific symptoms that can be diagnosed by a medical professional like a physical therapist.
The diagnosis of benign positional vertigo often involves conducting a medical history review as well as measuring involuntary eye responses when experiencing a bout of vertigo.
How do you treat BPPV?
The great news is that physical therapy for BPPV vertigo is highly effective, and many people experience relief within just a few sessions. There are several options our Physical Therapists have for resolving vertigo symptoms from BPPV:
The Epley maneuver
One of the most common techniques used in treating positional vertigo is the Epley maneuver. This guided series of movements helps reposition the dislodged crystals in your inner ear, returning them to their proper location. When performed correctly by a professional, the Epley maneuver often resolves symptoms quickly.
Our Physical Therapists may be able to train you to perform this maneuver on your own should you experience symptoms in the future.
Vestibular therapy
For individuals whose BPPV symptoms don’t resolve immediately, vestibular therapy is an effective treatment approach. This involves exercises designed to improve balance, reduce dizziness, and strengthen the brain’s ability to compensate for inner ear disruptions.
Even though it takes longer than the Epley maneuver, vestibular rehabilitation has key benefits over other medical options for treating vertigo.
- No medication required: Since there’s no medication to treat BPPV, you won’t have to worry about side effects.
- Prevent recurrence: Unfortunately, BPPV can come back in the future; there’s no cure. Working with a physical therapist empowers you with exercises and techniques to manage future episodes.
- Tailored care: Each person’s experience with BPPV will be different, which is why personalized physical therapy can be so effective.
Vertigo and vestibular therapy at Panther PT
You don’t have to live with the dizzying effects of benign positional vertigo forever. With proper diagnosis and the expert care of our Physical Therapists, you can take control of your symptoms and return to the activities you enjoy most.
Learn how Panther PT can help you get back to normal by calling one of our clinics or by requesting an appointment online today.