If you experience a sudden, intense sensation of spinning whenever you tilt your head back, look down, or roll over in bed, you are likely dealing with BPPV.
While the "spinning" (vertigo) can be frightening and nauseating, the good news is that BPPV is not a disease—it is a mechanical inner ear problem that is highly treatable, often in just one or two visits.
What is BPPV?
BPPV stands for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo:
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Benign: It is not life-threatening.
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Paroxysmal: It comes in sudden, brief spells.
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Positional: It is triggered by specific head movements.
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Vertigo: The false sense of spinning.
The Science: "Ear Crystals" Out of Place
Inside your inner ear, there are tiny calcium carbonate crystals called otoconia. Their job is to help you sense gravity and movement.
BPPV happens when these crystals become dislodged from their home and "fall" into the semicircular canals—the parts of your ear that sense rotation. When you move your head, these loose crystals roll around like marbles in a tube, sending false signals to your brain that you are spinning when you are actually still.
Can It Be Fixed? (The Epley Maneuver)
The most common and effective treatment for BPPV is the Epley Maneuver. This is a series of guided head movements designed to use gravity to "maneuver" those loose crystals out of the sensitive canals and back to where they belong.
Why see a professional instead of trying it at home?
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Correct Diagnosis: There are three different canals in each ear. If you perform the maneuver for the wrong canal or the wrong ear, you can actually make the vertigo worse or move the crystals into a harder-to-reach spot.
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Safety: Our vestibular-trained therapists, like Mikayla MacDonald, use specific tests (like the Dix-Hallpike) to confirm exactly where the crystals are before starting treatment.
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Neck Safety: We ensure your neck and spine are safe to perform the movements required.
What to Expect After Treatment
Most patients feel a massive relief immediately after the maneuver, though you may feel slightly "off" or "floaty" for a day or two as your brain recalibrates. We usually provide you with specific instructions on how to sleep and move for the first 24 hours to ensure the crystals stay in place.
Stop the spinning and get your balance back. If you are struggling with dizziness or vertigo, don't wait for it to "just go away." Most cases of BPPV can be resolved quickly and safely.
Click here to book a Vestibular Assessment with Mikayla at Dynamic Physiotherapy.
Steve Hansen
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