BPPV - Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

BPPV and Physiotherapy: What You Need to Know

BPPV, or Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, is a condition that affects the inner ear and can cause dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Though it is not a life-threatening condition, it can be debilitating for those who suffer from it. Thankfully, there are effective treatments available, one of which is physiotherapy. Let's take a closer look at BPPV and how physiotherapy can help.

What is BPPV?

BPPV occurs when the tiny crystals of calcium carbonate that are found in the inner ear become dislodged and fall into one of the fluid-filled canals. When this happens, it causes a disruption in the normal balance mechanism and results in dizziness. In some cases, BPPV can be caused by head trauma or surgery, but most often it occurs spontaneously without an apparent trigger.

How Can Physiotherapy Help?

Physiotherapy can be an effective treatment for BPPV by helping to reposition the dislodged crystals back into their proper place so that they no longer cause symptoms. This is done through a series of specific head and body movements that are carried out by the physiotherapist. In most cases, just one or two treatments are all that are needed to provide relief.

If you suffer from BPPV, physiotherapy may be able to help you find relief from your symptoms. Physiotherapists are trained in specific techniques to reposition the dislodged ear crystals so that they no longer cause dizziness, nausea, or vomiting. In most cases, just one or two treatments are all that are needed. So if you're suffering from BPPV, be sure to talk to your physiotherapist about whether this treatment option is right for you.