For some people, BPPV can be treated in one session, for others it may take multiple sessions to become symptom free. Typically, the maneuver is repeated three times in a session. The Epley maneuver uses 4 different positions of the head and body in succession to move the crystals within the inner ear. Once this is determined, the physical therapist will use a maneuver called the Epley maneuver to try to move the loose crystals back to where they “live” in the inner ear. With this physical therapy vertigo assessment, the therapist can determine if the right or left inner ear is affected as well as the specific semicircular canal that is causing the issue. The physical therapist will do a special test (see our video on vertigo assessment) that places the head in a very specific position and watches for certain eye movements that can only be created when someone has BPPV. Physical Therapy Vertigo Treatment: How Your Physical Therapist Can HelpĪ person who is experiencing vertigo can go to a physical therapist to confirm that they have BPPV and receive treatment. The sensitivity of these movements causes the symptom of vertigo.
These structures are called crystals.ĭuring an episode of BPPV, the crystals of the inner ear dislodged from where they “live” and make a person much more sensitive to normal head movements. The semicircular canals also contain structures that monitor the head’s position relative to gravity and create sensitivity to gravity. Movement is sensed by fluid and sensory hair-like structures located within these looped structures called semicircular canals. The inner ear plays a role in movement by sensing the position and movement of the head within space and communicating this to the brain.
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)… What is it?īPPV is caused by a dysfunction of the inner ear. These episodes can last days to weeks depending on the individual and may include loss of balance, unsteadiness, nausea or vomiting. If someone has BPPV they will experience episodes of mild to intense dizziness/spinning that is usually triggered by certain changes of head position such as shaking the head yes or no, lying down, sitting up, rolling over in bed, or bending over. The most common condition that causes the symptom of vertigo is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). Vestibular Neuronitis → inflammation of the vestibular nerve.Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV).What most people don’t know is that vertigo is a symptom that is CAUSED by another disorder within the body rather than a condition itself. Vertigo is defined as a sensation that you or the environment around you is moving or spinning when you are not actually moving. In the United States, about 40% of adults experience the diagnosis of vertigo at least once throughout their lifetime. Many physical therapists can treat vertigo and will help a person get a session as soon as possible to begin treating BPPV and decrease the feeling of vertigo. Receiving physical therapy vertigo treatment early during an episode of BPPV can be vital as most times symptoms can worsen with time.