#dizzy headache

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

Every year, millions of people in the United States develop vertigo, a sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning. The sensation can be very disturbing and may increase the risk of falling. If you've been diagnosed with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), you're not alone—at least 9 out of every 100 older adults are affected, making it one of the most common types of episodic vertigo. The good news is that BPPV is treatable. Your physical therapist will use unique tests to confirm vertigo, and use special exercises and maneuvers to help.

What is BPPV?

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is a common inner-ear problem affecting the vestibular system, a system used to maintain balance. BPPV causes short periods of dizziness when your head is moved in certain positions, relative to gravity. Benign means that this disorder is not life threatening, and generally, the disorder is not progressive. Paroxysmal means that the vertigo (spinning sensation) occurs suddenly. Positional means that the vertigo is triggered by changes in head position, most commonly when lying down, turning over in bed, or looking up. This dizzy or spinning sensation is called vertigo. Vertigo symptoms can last from seconds to a couple of minutes at a time. Vertigo episodes can occur frequently for weeks or months.

How Can a Physical Therapist Help?

Fortunately, most people can recover from BPPV with the help of a physical therapist. Your physical therapist will assess your vestibular system function, and choose an appropriate intervention to improve your symptoms. The treatment for BPPV usually consists of very specific head and neck maneuvers, performed by your physical therapist. If you think you may have symptoms associated with BPPV, please contact your physical therapist!

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

Every year, millions of people in the United States develop vertigo, a sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning. The sensation can be very disturbing and may increase the risk of falling. If you've been diagnosed with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), you're not alone—at least 9 out of every 100 older adults are affected, making it one of the most common types of episodic vertigo. The good news is that BPPV is treatable. Your physical therapist will use unique tests to confirm vertigo, and use special exercises and maneuvers to help.

What is BPPV?

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is a common inner-ear problem affecting the vestibular system, a system used to maintain balance. BPPV causes short periods of dizziness when your head is moved in certain positions, relative to gravity. Benign means that this disorder is not life threatening, and generally, the disorder is not progressive. Paroxysmal means that the vertigo (spinning sensation) occurs suddenly. Positional means that the vertigo is triggered by changes in head position, most commonly when lying down, turning over in bed, or looking up. This dizzy or spinning sensation is called vertigo. Vertigo symptoms can last from seconds to a couple of minutes at a time. Vertigo episodes can occur frequently for weeks or months.

How Can a Physical Therapist Help?

Fortunately, most people can recover from BPPV with the help of a physical therapist. Your physical therapist will assess your vestibular system function, and choose an appropriate intervention to improve your symptoms. The treatment for BPPV usually consists of very specific head and neck maneuvers, performed by your physical therapist. If you think you may have symptoms associated with BPPV, please contact your physical therapist!

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

Every year, millions of people in the United States develop vertigo, a sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning. The sensation can be very disturbing and may increase the risk of falling. If you've been diagnosed with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), you're not alone—at least 9 out of every 100 older adults are affected, making it one of the most common types of episodic vertigo. The good news is that BPPV is treatable. Your physical therapist will use unique tests to confirm vertigo, and use special exercises and maneuvers to help.

What is BPPV?

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is a common inner-ear problem affecting the vestibular system, a system used to maintain balance. BPPV causes short periods of dizziness when your head is moved in certain positions, relative to gravity. Benign means that this disorder is not life threatening, and generally, the disorder is not progressive. Paroxysmal means that the vertigo (spinning sensation) occurs suddenly. Positional means that the vertigo is triggered by changes in head position, most commonly when lying down, turning over in bed, or looking up. This dizzy or spinning sensation is called vertigo. Vertigo symptoms can last from seconds to a couple of minutes at a time. Vertigo episodes can occur frequently for weeks or months.

How Can a Physical Therapist Help?

Fortunately, most people can recover from BPPV with the help of a physical therapist. Your physical therapist will assess your vestibular system function, and choose an appropriate intervention to improve your symptoms. The treatment for BPPV usually consists of very specific head and neck maneuvers, performed by your physical therapist. If you think you may have symptoms associated with BPPV, please contact your physical therapist!

Resources:

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

Every year, millions of people in the United States develop vertigo, a sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning. The sensation can be very disturbing and may increase the risk of falling. If you've been diagnosed with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), you're not alone—at least 9 out of every 100 older adults are affected, making it one of the most common types of episodic vertigo. The good news is that BPPV is treatable. Your physical therapist will use unique tests to confirm vertigo, and use special exercises and maneuvers to help.

What is BPPV?

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is a common inner-ear problem affecting the vestibular system, a system used to maintain balance. BPPV causes short periods of dizziness when your head is moved in certain positions, relative to gravity. Benign means that this disorder is not life threatening, and generally, the disorder is not progressive. Paroxysmal means that the vertigo (spinning sensation) occurs suddenly. Positional means that the vertigo is triggered by changes in head position, most commonly when lying down, turning over in bed, or looking up. This dizzy or spinning sensation is called vertigo. Vertigo symptoms can last from seconds to a couple of minutes at a time. Vertigo episodes can occur frequently for weeks or months. 

How Can a Physical Therapist Help?

Fortunately, most people can recover from BPPV with the help of a physical therapist. Your physical therapist will assess your vestibular system function, and choose an appropriate intervention to improve your symptoms. The treatment for BPPV usually consists of very specific head and neck maneuvers, performed by your physical therapist. If you think you may have symptoms associated with BPPV, please contact your physical therapist!

Resources: