What is it?

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo is an inner ear condition caused when calcium carbonate crystals become dislodged and fall into one of the three semicircular canals. Once inside a canal and movement occurs, the crystals cause false information about your head movement to be sent to the brain.

Symptoms

BPPV most commonly causes intense episodes of a room spinning sensation when getting in/out of bed, looking up or down or rolling over in bed. This can often be followed by other symptoms such as dizziness, anxiety, nausea, vomiting and a sense of unsteadiness when walking.

Treatment

A Vestibular Physiotherapist can diagnose BPPV through bedside testing which may include a Dix-Hallpike manoeuvre. We then treat your BPPV through a canalith repositioning technique that is best suited for you depending on where the crystals are located. Most individuals with BPPV only require 2-3 treatments to feel back to normal.