If you experience a sudden, intense sensation of spinning whenever you tilt your head back, look down, or roll over in bed, you are may be dealing with positional vertigo.
While the sensations "spinning" (vertigo), swaying, or general apprehension can be frightening and nauseating, the good news is that it rarely lasts forever.
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 sensation 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 and angular velocity. When you move your head, these loose crystals alter the signals sent from your ear to the brain and eyes; inconsistent information about posture and motion lead to the sensation of spinning or dysequilibrium when you are actually still.
BPPV is a mechanical disruption of the inner ear. Peripheral and central causes of positional vertigo are related to the nervous system.
Can It Be Fixed? (The Epley Maneuver)
The most common treatment for BPPV is the Epley Maneuver. This is a series of guided head and body movements designed to use reposition 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 are less likely to experience symptomtatic relief. Additionally, if you are suffering from a different form of vertigo, at home canalith maneuvers will not improve your condition.
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Safety: Our vestibular-trained therapists, like Mikayla MacDonald, use specific tests (like the Dix-Hallpike) to confirm the presence of BPPV, and where the crystals are before starting treatment.
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Body Safety: We ensure your neck, spine and body are safe and well postured and supported during the maneuver.
- Time: The maneuvers take time to complete. When you are dizzy 60 seconds can feel like 60 minutes. Having another person with you, guiding you through the motions ensures that fewer treatments are required.
What to Expect After Treatment
Most patients feel slightly "off" or "floaty", "flush" for 12 - 24 hours as your brain recalibrates. We provide you with additional instructions and reassurance on how to navigate the "vestibular flu".
Stop the spinning and get your balance back. If you are dealing with dizziness or vertigo, don't wait for it to "just go away."
Click here to book a Vestibular Assessment with Mikayla at Dynamic Physiotherapy.
