What is BPPV – Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo?
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is one of the most common causes of vertigo. BPPV creates a sudden false sensation of motion or spinning inside your head. These sensations can vary from mild to intense dizziness and are usually triggered by changes in your head’s positioning.
BPPV is the number one cause of dizziness in patients over 60 years old. It can be extremely bothersome and dangerous, especially when it increases the chance or risk for falls.
Symptoms of BPPV
- Short 10-15 second sensations of vertigo or dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sudden loss of balance
- Frequent falls
What Causes BPPV?
- A minor or severe blow to the head
- Disorders that damage the inner ear
- Natural aging and shedding of crystals
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Idiopathic or unknown causes
With BPPV, small crystals from the utricle of the inner ear collect in the semi-circular canals of the inner ear. There are three semi-circular canals of the inner ear, and where the crystals have collected will determine your treatment.
Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)
Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) is often prescribed to maximize therapy outcomes after a vestibular hypofunction event or diseases process. It may also be needed after a clinician has successfully cleared your BPPV as some people still have some symptoms of dizziness due to lack of brain accomodation. Most people see significant improvement of their symptoms and improvement within 4-8 weeks of VRT.
VRT is a specific type of physical therapy that focuses specifically on the inner ear using adaptation, habituation, and substitution exercises to build confidence, restore balance, and facilitate success with symptom management.
VRT is needed when someone develops vestibular hypofunction.
Symptoms of Vestibular Hypofunction
- Imbalance and falling
- Dizziness and/or blurred vision while your head is moving such as turning your head to drive, or looking for groceries walking down the aisle
Causes of Vestibular Hypofunction
- Viral or bacterial infections
- Certain classes of antibiotics
- Chemotherapy
- Trauma such as concussions
- Natural aging
- Metabolic disorders like diabetes
- Diseases such as meniere’s or an acoustic neuorma
BPPV Treatments and Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy
The treatment for BPPV is specific to which semi-circular canal of the inner ear is affected. Once identified, the appropriate maneuver for that canal, also referred to as a specific type of “canalith-repositioning maneuver” (CRM) is performed. Our physical therapists are AIB-VR certified and will get you back to normal in as little as 2 treatments.
Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) is a specialized type of physical therapy treatment that focuses on improving and restoring balance. Using adaptation, habituation, and substitution exercises our AIB-VR certified therapists can help restore balance and help you manage your symptoms to get you back to the activities you love.
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