Do you suffer from vertigo?

Did you know that Vestibular Physiotherapy may help if you have episodes of vertigo (spinning/dizziness) and/or nausea?

What is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

BPPV is a common disorder of the inner ear (your vestibular system). The vestibular system consists of the utricle, saccule, and three semicircular canals. The semicircular canals and the fluid inside the canal help orient your body with movement.  BPPV occurs when the tiny crystals (otoconia) within the canals shift. With a change in position specifically your head position such as rolling in bed, sitting up in the mornings and looking up or down causes these crystals to shift and send signals to the brain which in turn produces dizziness/spinning and nausea.

Symptoms you may experience with BPPV

• Dizziness/spinning (vertigo)
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss in balance or feeling of unsteadiness

Vestibular physiotherapy treatment consists of

Following a diagnosis from your physician of BPPV or having undergone an assessment from a physiotherapist. Your Vestibular Physiotherapy will perform the Epley Maneuvers which will re-orient the position of the crystals (otoconia) in one of your semi-circular canal.
Following this treatment, it is important to address loss in balance and a physiotherapist will help guide you in increasing your balance with a home exercise program along with assisting you in getting you back to your daily activities.
Key Words

– Epley maneuver

– Dizzy/Spinning/vertigo

– Nausea

– BPPV

How Vestibular Physiotherapy can make a difference for you

Read about Lenn’s experience at Absolute PhysioCare

“I was diagnosed with BPPV. Sometimes my meds does not work so I told my doctor that I need an alternative solution to get rid of my vertigo. My family doctor and specialist told me to look into vestibular physiotherapy. My doctor gave me list of clinics that specializes vestibular physiotherapy and I decided to go to Absolute Physiotherapy Clinic. I always greeted with smiles and friendliness of the staff. Christina provided professional and effective treatment. When I get dizzy spells and I don’t have an appointment, she’ll fit me right in with her busy schedule. With Christina’s help, I managed to stay away from meds when I get dizzy spells. I am very thankful that she was there to help me during the times I got dizzy and meds was not effective at all. I’m making progress slowly but surely because of her and Absolute Physiocare staff. I highly recommend Christina to anyone who has benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and this clinic to anyone.” – Lenn

Visit our Burnaby Sports Physiotherapy Clinic

Christina Brownlow, our Physiotherapist in Burnaby BC, is the writer of this Vestibular Physiotherapy blog. If you have any questions regarding Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo or need an assessment from our Burnaby Physio Clinic please contact us at 604-558-2273 and we would be happy to see you.
 
References:
Bhattacharyya N; Baugh RF; Orvidas L; Barrs, D; Bronston, L; Cass, S; Chalian, A; Desmond, A; Earll, J (2008). “Clinical practice guideline: benign paroxysmal positional vertigo” (Lay summary). Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 139 (5 Suppl 4): S47–81. 10.1016/j.otohns.2008.08.022.  – AAO-HNS (2008-11-01).
Von Brevern, M (2006). “Short-term efficacy of Epley’s maneuver: A double-blind randomised trial”. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry 77 (8): 980–982. 10.1136/jnnp.2005.085894.