How Physiotherapy Can Help with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is a common cause of dizziness, affecting many individuals, especially those over the age of 60. At Physio Room Pymble, we frequently see patients who struggle with this condition, often feeling disoriented or unsteady in their daily lives. Fortunately, physiotherapy offers effective treatments to manage and often resolve BPPV symptoms.

Understanding BPPV

BPPV occurs when small calcium carbonate crystals, known as otoconia, become dislodged from their normal position in the utricle of the inner ear and move into the semicircular canals. These canals help detect head movements and maintain balance. When the dislodged crystals move within the canals, they send incorrect signals to the brain, causing a sensation of spinning or dizziness, especially when the head is moved in certain positions. This dizziness is usually brief but can be intense, often accompanied by nausea or a sense of imbalance.

How Physiotherapy Helps Manage BPPV

Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in diagnosing and treating BPPV. Here are some key ways that physiotherapy can help:

1. Diagnosis through Assessment: At Physio Room Pymble, our physiotherapists perform a thorough assessment to confirm a BPPV diagnosis. This often includes a series of positional tests, such as the Dix-Hallpike manoeuvre, which helps identify which semicircular canal is affected and triggers the symptoms.

2. Repositioning Manoeuvres: The most effective treatment for BPPV is a series of specific repositioning manoeuvres designed to move the dislodged crystals out of the semicircular canals and back to their correct position. The most common technique is the Epley manoeuvre, which involves a sequence of guided head movements. Another effective approach is the Semont manoeuvre. These manoeuvres are painless, quick, and highly effective, often resolving symptoms in just one or two sessions.

3. Customised Home Exercises: Following the repositioning manoeuvres, your physiotherapist may provide you with home exercises designed to further stabilise the vestibular system and prevent recurrence. These exercises may include Brandt-Daroff exercises, which involve repeated movements that help retrain the brain to ignore abnormal signals from the inner ear.

4. Education and Lifestyle Modifications: Physiotherapists also educate patients on how to avoid certain movements or positions that may trigger BPPV symptoms. Adjusting sleep positions, using two pillows, and being mindful of sudden head movements can help reduce the risk of symptoms returning.

Why Choose Physiotherapy for BPPV?

Physiotherapy is a non-invasive, effective treatment option for BPPV that focuses on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life. At Physio Room Pymble, we provide a personalised approach to BPPV treatment, ensuring that each patient receives the most appropriate care based on their specific condition and needs. Our goal is to help you regain balance and confidence, allowing you to enjoy your daily activities without the fear of sudden dizziness.

Take the First Step Toward Relief

If you are experiencing dizziness, vertigo, or balance problems, don't wait to seek help. Contact Physio Room Pymble today to schedule a consultation and begin your journey to recovery.

TB Dang

Senior Physiotherapist

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment or if you have concerns about your health.