By Dr. Samuel J. Recinos PT, DPT, OCS, Cert. DN, Cert. VRS, LSVT BIG Certified Clinician
Sometimes after a busy season, life can feel stressful, like everything is spinning around you. But what if that spinning isn’t just a feeling? What if it actually happens every time you go from upright to lying down? If this sounds familiar, you might be experiencing a common inner ear disorder called BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo).
The bad news? This sensation is not normal. The GREAT news? BPPV is treatable and can often be resolved quickly — sometimes in as little as six minutes! Let’s dive into what BPPV is, who it affects, and how it’s treated.
What Is BPPV?
BPPV is a condition that causes brief episodes of vertigo, a spinning sensation triggered by specific changes in head position. Though the symptoms can be alarming, BPPV is generally harmless and treatable.
The root cause of BPPV lies in the inner ear, where tiny calcium carbonate crystals (otoconia) sometimes become dislodged and end up in the semicircular canals. These canals help detect head rotation and maintain balance. When the crystals are out of place, they disrupt the normal fluid movement in the canals, sending false signals to the brain that cause dizziness and vertigo.
Who Gets BPPV?
In short, anyone can develop BPPV. However, certain factors increase the likelihood:
- Age: BPPV is more common in people over 50.
- Gender: Women are more likely to experience it than men.
- Risk Factors:
1. Sedentary lifestyle
2. Poor overall health
3. Osteopenia or osteoporosis
4. History of shingles
Why Does BPPV Happen?
Inside your inner ear, on both sides, there are semicircular canals filled with nerves that let your brain know whether your head is rotating, accelerating, decelerating, or looking up and down. These canals rely on small calcium carbonate crystals to trigger nerve signals that help maintain your balance.
When these crystals become dislodged and move into areas where they shouldn’t be, they can create a false sensation of motion. Even if you’re still, your brain receives signals that make it feel like the world is spinning.
How Is BPPV Treated?
Treatment for BPPV is simple and highly effective. After a thorough medical history and
physical examination to rule out other causes of dizziness, a healthcare provider can diagnose
BPPV and treat it with one or more repositioning maneuvers. These maneuvers help move the dislodged crystals back to their proper location so the body can recycle them.
- Epley Maneuver: One of the most common repositioning techniques, this involves a series of head and body movements.
- Semont Maneuver: Another effective repositioning technique.
- Brandt-Daroff Exercises: Self-performed exercises that can help resolve symptoms over time.
Each of these maneuvers typically takes about six minutes to perform and has a very high success rate. In many cases, one or two sessions are all it takes to eliminate symptoms, especially if BPPV is caught early. Careful of doing them without training though, there is a potential to make the spins worse if done incorrectly!
What If It’s Not Caught Early?
When BPPV goes untreated for a long time, the brain may adapt to the abnormal signals, creating a more complex recovery process. Once the crystals are repositioned and the abnormal signals stop, patients may require additional therapy to help their brain and balance system readjust to normal impulses. With proper care, however, full recovery is achievable.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been experiencing episodes of vertigo triggered by changes in head position, don’t wait to seek help. BPPV is a common condition that’s both treatable and manageable. With a quick diagnosis and effective maneuvers, you can put the spins behind you and regain your balance in no time.
Your health—and your stability—are worth it!