Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

What is BPPV?

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is a common inner ear disorder that causes brief episodes of dizziness or vertigo. It occurs when small calcium crystals (otoconia) in the inner ear become dislodged and move into one of the semicircular canals, affecting the ear’s ability to detect head motion.

Symptoms of BPPV:

People often describe BPPV episodes as a spinning sensation that is triggered by changes in head position such as lying down, sitting up, or rolling over. Episodes typically last for seconds to minutes. Sometimes, this is accompanied by nausea.

Causes of BPPV:

Lots of the cases of BPPV can be unexplained. However, it can be caused by head trauma, aging, and other risk factors such as inner ear conditions, prolonged bed rest or vestibular neuritis. As people age, the crystals become more brittle and so are more likely to become dislodged.

Treatment for BPPV:

A physiotherapist can assess and determine which of the semicircular canals are affected and then treat with the appropriate repositioning manoeuvre. These are a sequence of head and body positions, led by your physio, that move the dislodged crystals back to the utricle.

Once you have completed treatment:

For the remainder of the day following treatment, it is advised to:

·       keep your neck still and avoid big neck movements

·       Stay upright for 1 hour after treatment

·       Avoid sleeping on the affected side for 1 night following treatment

Prevention of BPPV:

There’s no known method to prevent BPPV entirely but managing risk factors such as avoiding head injuries or managing underlying ear conditions can help.

You can also maintain good brain health by adopting healthy habits such as eating well, exercising regularly, getting 8 hours of sleep and reducing stress.

Prognosis of BPPV:

Recurrence: BPPV can recur, but many people experience significant improvement following appropriate treatment.

Chronicity: Some individuals may experience recurring episodes over time, which can often be managed with guidance from a physiotherapist.

When to see a doctor:

Immediate attention should be sought if vertigo is associated with other symptoms such as difficulty speaking, weakness, or numbness, which may indicate a more serious condition like a stroke.