What Is Vertigo (BPPV)?
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is a clinical condition characterised by vertigo triggered by head position with respect to gravity.
The symptoms felt is usually brief and recurrent. The incidence of vertigo tends to increase with age.
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Other than vertigo, some people may also report nausea, balance and walking disturbances.
Common positions which may trigger Vertigo (BPPV)
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lying down or getting in/ out of bed
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bending over to tie shoe laces, or when gardening
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looking up to hang washing or washing hair in shower
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looking over shoulder while reversing car
What causes Vertigo /BPPV?
Debris (calcium carbonate crystals) enters the semicircular canal in the inner ear triggers abnormal stimulation of the motion sensor called cupula.
How to diagnose the BPPV condition
Diagnosis is based on information given by the person and a well-defined objective testing procedure to confirm or exclude the diagnosis.
What would I expect with Vertigo / BPPV treatment?
Your physiotherapist would assess and diagnose your BPPV and apply an appropriate manoeuvre to reposition the floating debris to stop the vertigo.
Most of the time, it only requires 1 to 2 treatment sessions to resolve the symptoms.
Sometimes your physiotherapist may prescribe some specific home exercise treatment to resolve any minor residual symptoms.
