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Writer's pictureBalmain Physiotherapy

Finding Balance: Navigating Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)


a dizzy lady on a couch

Are you feeling dizzy getting out of bed in the morning? How about rolling over in bed or lifting your head? You may have Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV).

BPPV is the most common cause of peripheral vertigo as it accounts for over half of all cases. It is a condition where small calcium crystals called the otoconia in the inner ear becomes displaced into the semicircular canals.

The structures in the semicircular canals respond to movement, position and gravity. Thus the displacement of these crystals can lead to conflicting signals that can present as vertigo ( a spinning sensation). Some risk factors for BPPV include age (greater or equal to 65), female sex, migraine, recent viral infection, hypertension and diabetes. Approximately 50% to 70% of BPPV cases occur with no known cause. The remainder of occurrences are often linked with another pathology such as migraine, Ménière disease and head trauma.

a diagram of the ear

Image sourced from: https://www.3dphysio.com.au/bppv BPPV can be triggered by:

  1. Rolling over in bed

  2. Looking up or down

  3. Any sudden movements of the head

You may have symptoms including:

  1. Vertigo (spinning sensation)

  2. Visual problems during an attack

  3. Loss of Balance

  4. Nausea and vomiting

Please consult a doctor first to ensure other conditions that cause dizziness are ruled out first. After consulting your doctor you can book an initial appointment with one of our friendly Physiotherapists at Balmain Sydney Allied Health today!

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