If you’ve ever experienced sudden bouts of dizziness, as if the room is spinning uncontrollably, you know how frightening and disorienting it can be. This sensation, known as vertigo, is often caused by Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), the most common vestibular disorder. If you’ve been diagnosed with BPPV or suspect you may have it, understanding how vestibular rehabilitation can help you regain control is crucial. Your vertigo or dizziness should disappear if you are perfectly still. If your symptoms are constant it may be related to an infection and you should see your medical doctor as soon as possible.
What is BPPV and Why Does It Happen?
BPPV is a mechanical issue within your inner ear that leads to episodes of vertigo. Inside your ear, there are tiny crystals of calcium carbonate called otoconia, which normally sit in a gel-like substance within the utricle. Sometimes, these crystals become dislodged and migrate into one of the semicircular canals, where they interfere with the normal fluid movement that your inner ear uses to detect head motion. This disruption sends false signals to your brain, causing the sensation that you’re spinning even when you’re perfectly still.
This type of vertigo usually lasts less than a minute, but it can be intensely uncomfortable and disorienting. Between episodes, you might feel completely fine, or you might experience lingering feelings of imbalance.
How Vestibular Rehabilitation Can Help You
Vestibular rehabilitation is a specialized form of therapy designed to alleviate symptoms related to vestibular disorders like BPPV. The primary goal is to help your brain and body compensate for the false signals being sent by your inner ear, reducing or eliminating symptoms of vertigo.
In the case of BPPV, vestibular rehabilitation often involves specific maneuvers that guide the dislodged crystals back to their proper position. These Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers, such as the Epley maneuver, are highly effective in treating BPPV when performed by a trained professional. Your therapist will move your head through a sequence of positions, using gravity to move the crystals out of the semicircular canal and back into the utricle where they belong.
The Importance of a Professional Diagnosis and Treatment
While BPPV can be effectively treated, it’s crucial to get a proper diagnosis before beginning treatment. Not all vertigo is caused by BPPV, and different variants of BPPV require different treatment approaches. A vestibular rehabilitation therapist is trained to distinguish between these variants and can determine the specific cause of your symptoms through detailed assessments.
Tests like the Dix-Hallpike maneuver allow your therapist to observe the characteristic eye movements, or nystagmus, that occur when the dislodged crystals move. These eye movements help pinpoint which ear and which canal are affected, ensuring that the correct treatment is applied to relieve your symptoms effectively.
What to Expect After Your Treatment
Most people experience significant relief after just one to three treatments. However, it’s not uncommon to feel a bit unsteady or sensitive to motion for a few days afterward. Your vestibular rehabilitation therapist will provide you with exercises to help stabilize your balance and reduce any residual symptoms.
Follow-up care is essential, as BPPV can sometimes recur. If it does, your therapist can quickly address it and guide you through the appropriate maneuvers. In some cases, your therapist may even teach you how to perform these maneuvers on your own at home, though many patients prefer to return to the clinic for professional assistance.
The Role of Vestibular Rehabilitation in Your Long-Term Management
Vestibular rehabilitation isn’t just about treating the immediate symptoms of BPPV—it’s also about empowering you to manage your condition in the long term. By improving your balance, enhancing your body’s ability to compensate for vestibular dysfunction, and teaching you techniques to manage or prevent recurrences, vestibular rehabilitation helps you regain confidence and control over your life.
At PhysioActive, our team of vestibular rehabilitation specialists is dedicated to helping you overcome the challenges of BPPV. We understand how disruptive vertigo can be, and we’re here to provide the expert care and support you need to regain your balance and peace of mind. Don’t let BPPV keep you off balance—reach out to us today to learn more about how vestibular rehabilitation can help you get back to feeling steady and secure.
