What is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)?

First of all lets break down the name: 

• Benign meaning that it is not life-threatening
• Paroxysmal referring to the symptoms coming and going 
• Positional as symptoms are brought about in specific positions 
• Vertigo referring to the feeling of the room spinning 

BPPV is a mechanical issue of the inner ear. BPPV is caused by the crystals being dislodged into the semi-circular canal. This results in incorrect signals being sent to the brain and results in vertigo. This can occur idiopathically (randomly) or can occur following a trauma to the head such as a car crash. 

What are the symptoms of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo?

• Dizziness – seconds after a head movement and not lasting for longer than a minute 
• Light headedness
• Balance Problems
• Nausea

Management of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo? 

The Physiotherapist will first identify which canal is affected by the crystals. Once identified the Physiotherapist will perform a technique that aims to move the crystals back to their correct position and results in less ‘dodgy’ firing of the vestibulocochlear nerve. This technique can sometimes take anywhere between 1-5 regular attempts. 

After identifying which canals are affected your therapist will prescribe a technique (Epley’s manoeuvre) that dislodges the crystals and allows a normal vestibular function. This will result in less ‘dodgy firing’ of the vestibulocochlear nerve a reduce the symptoms. 

Reece Jones
Set in Motion Physiotherapy