BPPV/Vertigo.
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is a condition of the inner ear where you may experience sudden, brief, and intense dizziness.
Vertigo can be one of the symptoms of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, as well as:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Balance problems
- Nystagmus (uncontrolled flickering of your eyes)
- Neck stiffness or pain
These symptoms usually occur after:
- Rolling over in bed
- Getting into or out of bed
- Bending over
- Looking up
- Walking and turning head side-to-side in a “yes” movement or “no” movement
Treatment for BPPV may include a combination physiotherapy, self-management techniques and medication prescribed by your GP.
You can read more about Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo here.
What to expect?
Before starting treatment it is important that your Physiotherapist assesses you to confirm your diagnosis of BPPV. To do this, they will take a complete history starting at when you were first experiencing symptoms. They will also look at your balance, and movements of your eyes and head.
In your Initial Assessment consultation, your Physiotherapist will perform a number of tests which will allow them to correctly diagnose your problem. These tests will guide the Physiotherapist on what treatments are appropriate, and what you should be doing or avoiding after the appointment.
They may also prescribe specific balance exercises or eye and head movements for you to do as a home management programme. This helps to reduce and resolve your condition as quickly as possible.
Prognosis
BPPV is often successfully treated within 2 – 4 visits. In some cases it may recur, at which time it needs to be assessed and treatment again.
Want to find out more?
You can read more about what causes BPPV and the different treatment options available here.
To book in to see one of our Physiotherapists for an assessment for BPPV, you can:
