What Is BPPV?
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, or BPPV, is a common cause of vertigo. It occurs when tiny calcium carbonate crystals in the inner ear become displaced and move into an area where they interfere with the normal function of the vestibular system.
BPPV typically causes short episodes of vertigo associated with changes in head position.
You may notice symptoms when:
- Rolling over in bed
- Lying down or sitting up
- Looking upward
- Bending forward
- Turning your head quickly
Although these episodes can be intense, BPPV can often be addressed using specific repositioning techniques once the affected area of the vestibular system has been identified.
How Is BPPV Treated?
When assessment findings are consistent with BPPV, your physiotherapist may use a canalith repositioning procedure.
These procedures involve moving your head and body through a specific sequence of positions. The goal is to guide the displaced particles within the inner ear back toward an area where they no longer trigger vertigo.
The appropriate technique depends on which part of the vestibular system is affected. Your physiotherapist will assess your symptoms and response to positional testing before determining which treatment is appropriate.
How Can Vestibular Physiotherapy Help?
Not every vestibular problem is caused by BPPV. For other causes of dizziness and imbalance, rehabilitation may involve a progressive exercise program designed around the specific difficulties identified during your assessment.
Depending on your needs, vestibular rehabilitation may include:
Balance training: Exercises can progressively challenge the systems your body uses to maintain balance and stability.
Gaze stabilization exercises: These exercises may be used when head movement makes it difficult to maintain clear or stable vision.
Habituation exercises: Carefully selected movements may be repeated to gradually improve your tolerance to movements or environments that provoke dizziness.
Walking and functional exercises: Rehabilitation may incorporate movements and activities that reflect the challenges you experience during everyday life.
Strength and conditioning: When dizziness or balance problems have caused you to become less active, your program may also address strength, mobility, and general physical conditioning.
Your exercises will be progressed according to your symptoms, abilities, and treatment goals.
What to Expect During a Vestibular Assessment
Your physiotherapist will begin by asking about your symptoms, when they started, what triggers them, and how they affect your everyday activities.
Depending on your presentation, your assessment may examine:
- Balance and stability
- Walking
- Eye and head movements
- Coordination
- Positions that trigger vertigo
- Neck mobility
- Your response to changes in head position
- Activities or environments that provoke dizziness
If BPPV is suspected, specific positional testing may be performed to determine whether changes in head position reproduce characteristic symptoms and eye movements.
Your physiotherapist can then determine whether vestibular rehabilitation is appropriate and develop a treatment plan based on the assessment findings.
Vestibular Rehabilitation After a Concussion
Dizziness and balance difficulties can also occur following a concussion.
If your symptoms began after a concussion, your physiotherapist may assess several areas that can contribute to your symptoms, including balance, tolerance to head and eye movements, neck function, and physical activity.
Vestibular exercises may then be incorporated into a broader concussion rehabilitation program when appropriate.
When Should Dizziness Be Medically Assessed?
Dizziness and vertigo can have many causes, and not all of them originate from the vestibular system or can be treated with physiotherapy.
If your symptoms are unusual, severe, or accompanied by other concerning neurological or medical symptoms, further medical assessment may be required. Your physiotherapist can also recommend that you speak with your physician or another healthcare provider if your assessment suggests that additional investigation is appropriate.
Vestibular Rehabilitation & Vertigo Treatment in Barrhaven
Advanced Physiotherapy has been serving Barrhaven and the surrounding Ottawa community for more than 25 years. Our physiotherapists provide individualized care based on your symptoms, physical findings, and treatment goals.
If vertigo, dizziness, or balance problems are interfering with your work, exercise, or everyday activities, contact Advanced Physiotherapy in Barrhaven to schedule an assessment and find out whether vestibular rehabilitation may be appropriate for you.
