BPPV Diagnosis and Treatment
Cindy Molina, PT, CMPT, MSPT | May 18, 2019
What is BPPV?
BPPV or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is the most common form of vestibular dysfunction. It is also the easiest to treat, when properly diagnosed. BPPV is a condition that causes dizziness with change of head position. This dizziness usually lasts less than 60 seconds at a time.
What Causes BPPV?
BPPV occurs when the crystals (otoconia) in the inner ear become dislodged and move into the wrong place. The otoconia usually become dislodged in only one ear. The brain receives mixed messages from the ears and doesn’t know how to interpret the information, resulting in dizziness when the head is moved.
Where Do I Get Help for my BPPV?
Some physicians are familiar with BPPV and how to diagnose it, but few know how to treat it. There aren’t any medical imaging tests to diagnose BPPV and medication only alleviates the symptoms temporarily, but doesn’t address the problem. The otoconia need to be repositioned in the ear to eliminate the vertigo.
A physical therapist trained to treat vestibular disorders can perform a routine vestibular examination to confirm BPPV. There are home exercises, as well as repositioning techniques that a trained physical therapist can perform to correct the problem. BPPV is usually resolved in 1-3 sessions.
If you are experiencing short episodes of dizziness, call today to schedule an appointment to have your vertigo assessed. I will be happy to answer any additional questions you may have.
303-900-2282.