That sudden spinning sensation when you roll over in bed, look up to a high shelf or tip your head back at the basin can be alarming. Often it is BPPV, which stands for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, and it is the most common cause of this kind of vertigo.
The reassuring news is that BPPV is usually very treatable. Here is what BPPV is, why it happens, what helps, the warning signs that need a doctor, and how a physiotherapist can help.
- What is BPPV?
- Why does BPPV happen?
- What does BPPV feel like?
- What helps BPPV?
- When should you seek urgent medical care?
- When should you see a physio?
- Helping You Perform at Your Best
What is BPPV?
BPPV is a common inner-ear cause of vertigo, the false sense that you or the room is spinning. It is brought on by changes in head position, and it is the most common cause of positional vertigo. The episodes are usually brief but can be intense.
Why does BPPV happen?
Inside your inner ear are tiny calcium crystals that normally help sense head movement. In BPPV, some of these crystals move into a part of the balance system where they do not belong, usually one of the semicircular canals. When you move your head, they send confusing signals, and your brain interprets that as spinning. The most common type involves the posterior canal, which accounts for around 85% of cases.
What does BPPV feel like?
BPPV often shows up as short bursts of spinning triggered by specific movements, such as:
- Rolling over in bed
- Lying down or sitting up
- Looking up or tipping the head back
- Bending forward
The spinning usually lasts seconds to a minute and settles when you keep still, though it can leave you feeling unsteady or queasy.
What helps BPPV?
BPPV often responds well to specific repositioning manoeuvres that guide the crystals back to where they belong. For the common posterior-canal type, the Epley (canalith repositioning) manoeuvre is a safe and effective treatment, and it can settle symptoms quickly for many people. A trained physiotherapist can assess which type you have and perform the appropriate manoeuvre, then guide you on what to do afterwards.
When should you seek urgent medical care?
Not all dizziness is BPPV, and some warning signs need prompt medical attention. Seek urgent care if your dizziness comes with a severe headache, weakness or numbness, difficulty speaking, double or lost vision, trouble walking, or fainting. New, severe or persistent dizziness, or dizziness after a head injury, should be checked by a doctor.
When should you see a physio?
If your dizziness is clearly triggered by changes in head position and fits the BPPV pattern, a physiotherapist trained in vestibular assessment can help work out what is going on and carry out the appropriate repositioning manoeuvre. Getting assessed also helps rule in or out other causes.
Helping You Perform at Your Best
Vertigo can be frightening and can affect your confidence with everyday movement, driving and sleep.
At Ace Sports Medicine in Upper Mount Gravatt, our physiotherapists provide personalised assessment and care for dizziness and BPPV across Brisbane's southside. Your first appointment includes an assessment and a clear plan for your next step.
Think your dizziness might be BPPV? Book an appointment with the Ace Sports Medicine team today.
