Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

Vestibular Rehabilitation

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is the most common reason for vertigo like symptoms. It is relatively easy to diagnose and treat with conservative measures. If you have vertigo it can feel like objects around you are moving when they are not. You may also feel like you are spinning or swaying. This in turn can produce symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sweating, or difficulties with movement.

There is no known cause for BBPV which is called idiopathic. However, it is generally considered that a trauma such as a blow to the head or prolonged positioning with the head extended may result in vertigo.

BBPV generally occurs in patients 50 yrs and older.  It can however occur at any age.

Women are more often effected than men. BBPV can be caused by head injuries such as whiplash or a concussion.

Cause and Symptoms

Crystals called otoconia are dislodged from a portion of the inner ear called the Utricle. This Utricle sits at the base of three canals (semi circular canals).  These crystals find their way into one of the canals thus causing the equilibrium imbalances, and in turn the vertigo like symptoms and the nystagmus (subtle eye movements).

This is where the goggles come into play. We use the goggles to assist with more subtle eye movements (nystagmus). By reviewing the actions of the eyes the practitioner can make a determination of the effected side, degree, and canal effected.

Once the canal and and side of the insult is determined a treatment plan is designed using various repositioning techniques.

Benign paroxysmal vertigo is relatively common and the outcomes after treatment are generally very good.  The repositioning techniques are well researched and are proven to be 90 percent effective.

Vertigo is almost always a result of vestibular function.