Vertigo & BPPV

Understanding Vertigo

Vertigo is a common condition that creates a sensation of dizziness or spinning that can persist even when you are still. It is often caused by issues in the inner ear, which plays a crucial role in our balance and spatial awareness. While vertigo can stem from various causes, one of the most common forms is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). 
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Vertigo can impact daily life by causing nausea, unsteadiness, and difficulty concentrating. It may also increase the risk of falls, particularly in older individuals. Fortunately, with the right treatment, most cases of BPPV can be easily and effectively treated and completely resolved.

What is BPPV?

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, referred to as BPPV, is a disorder that originates in the network of canals within the inner ear. These canals relay the position of our head relative to gravity as well as our body’s movement through space to the brain. In some cases, small crystals found in these canals, known as otoconia or otoliths, become dislodged from the walls and circulate freely within the canals.

Certain head movements will then cause these crystals to shift, leading to brief but intense episodes of vertigo, a sensation that the room is spinning around you. These episodes typically last less than a minute but can be very disruptive.

Common movements that provoke symptoms include:
  • Turning your head left or right
  • Looking up or down
  • Rolling from one side to another while lying down

​This spinning sensation can make simple daily activities challenging and uncomfortable. Some individuals may also experience lightheadedness, imbalance, or even nausea as secondary symptoms.

What causes BPPV?

BPPV and other forms of vertigo can result from a blow to the head, but in most cases, BPPV develops spontaneously without any clear cause. BPPV is more common in women than in men, and in individuals 50 and over. Even when the exact cause is unknown, the treatment remains the same and is highly effective.​​

Physiotherapy Treatments for BPPV & Vertigo

Your physiotherapist will begin by determining which of the canals in your inner ear is affected by dislodged crystals. Based on this assessment, they will use specific maneuvers to help move and flush the crystals out of the canal, restoring balance. After treatment, your physiotherapist may suggest a few vestibular exercises to help improve balance and address any lingering dizziness or vertigo symptoms. In many cases, BPPV can be resolved or drastically reduced within a treatment or two.

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