What are the Symptoms of BPPV?
The symptoms of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) can include the following:
- Sudden episodes of violent vertigo.
- Dizziness and nausea.
- Movements of your head trigger vertigo.
- Your eyes may drift and flick uncontrollably (nystagmus).
- Your vertigo may last half a minute or more.
What is BPPV?
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is a common vestibular disorder that triggers intense episodes of dizziness or vertigo due to head movements. These episodes can significantly impact your daily life.
Related Articles:
- What Are The Symptoms of BPPV? – Discover the symptoms and treatment success rates of BPPV, emphasising the effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions.
- Vestibular FAQs – Answers to frequently asked questions about vertigo and dizziness, enhancing understanding of conditions like BPPV and cervicogenic dizziness.
- Vertigo & Dizziness – Insight into various causes of vertigo and dizziness, including BPPV, Meniere’s Disease, and cervicogenic dizziness.
What Causes BPPV?
Inside your inner ear, there is a series of canals filled with fluid. These vestibular canals are at different angles. When your head is moved, the liquid rolling inside these vestibular canals tells the brain exactly how far, how fast and in what direction your head is moving.
Causes and Symptoms
BPPV occurs when tiny calcium particles in the inner ear dislodge and move to the semicircular canals, sending false signals to the brain about your body’s position. Common symptoms include sudden vertigo, dizziness, and nystagmus.
BPPV is caused by little ‘ear rocks‘ or otoconia (calcium carbonate crystals) within the vestibular canals.
Usually, these crystals are held in unique reservoirs within other inner ear structures (saccule and utricle). It is thought that injury or degeneration of the utricle may allow the ‘ear rocks’ to dislodge and escape into the balance organ and interfere with your vestibular system.
Related Articles:
- Cervicogenic Dizziness & Cervical Vertigo – Tips & Treatment – Detailed explanations on how neck issues can lead to dizziness and vertigo.
- Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) – Discusses how VRT can help manage and treat balance issues and dizziness.
What Causes Your ‘Ear Rocks’ to Dislodge?
Factors that may cause or allow ‘ear rocks’ to migrate into your vestibular canals include:
- Head or ear injury.
- Ear surgery or ear infection, such as otitis media.
- Degeneration of the inner ear structures.
- Vestibular neuritis (viral infection of the inner ear).
- Meniere’s disease (a disorder of the inner ear).
- Some types of minor strokes.
In around half of BPPV cases, you can’t find the cause of your BPPV, known as idiopathic BPPV.
Diagnosis and Treatment
BPPV is diagnosed through a physical examination by a healthcare provider skilled in vestibular assessment. Treatment typically involves specific head positioning techniques like the Epley or Semont manoeuvres to reposition the dislodged otoliths.
How is BPPV Diagnosed?
Dizziness and vertigo are common to many medical conditions, so careful differential diagnoses are essential. Your physiotherapist or doctor may use several tests to diagnose BPPV.
What is the Treatment for BPPV?
‘Ear Rock’ Relocation Techniques
After assessing you and confirming BPPV, your BPPV-trained physiotherapist will apply specific techniques to relocate the “ear rocks” to an area in the inner ear that doesn’t stimulate your feelings of dizziness or vertigo.
How Successful is BPPV Treatment?
When performed correctly, BPPV techniques immediately reduce your vertigo, dizziness, and other symptoms of BPPV is immediate in 80% or more cases. Quality BPPV practitioners have a 90%+ success rate within three applications of the techniques.
Other BPPV Treatment Options?
Due to the physical presence of ear rocks within your vestibular canal, only the relocation of these ear rocks will clear your BPPV symptoms. You may find some drugs that can help you mask your BPPV symptoms by diminishing your sensitivity to your vestibular symptoms, and they work similarly to seasickness medications. Would you please discuss this medicated option with your doctor?
Who Performs BPPV Treatment?
Some vestibular physiotherapists and doctors are trained in assessing and treating BPPV. BPPV-trained physiotherapists undertake specific training to diagnose and successfully treat BPPV.
PhysioWorks has several BPPV-trained physiotherapists. Please call them to book your appointment with a BPPV physiotherapist.
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) can cause sudden, intense dizziness when you move your head. Understanding BPPV and its treatment options is crucial for managing this condition effectively.
Conclusion
If you experience symptoms of BPPV, consult a trained physiotherapist for proper assessment and treatment. Effective management can significantly improve your quality of life.
More Info
- BPPV – Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
- Common Causes of Vertigo & Dizziness
- Vestibular Physiotherapy: Balance & Dizziness Solutions – Explores how vestibular physiotherapy addresses balance issues and dizziness.
More information: Balance, Dizziness & Vertigo FAQs and Health Products
