Vertigo, BPPV, and how Physical Therapy can help.
What is vertigo?
Vertigo is described as a sudden onset of dizziness, spinning or whirling that can lead to a loss of balance. This is sometimes associated with quick head movements, but there are several things that can lead to the sensation of vertigo. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is one of the more common causes of vertigo.
What is BPPV?
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common inner ear disorder that leads to brief but intense episodes of vertigo triggered by specific head movements. It occurs when tiny calcium carbonate crystals, called canaliths, dislodge from their usual position within the inner ear and migrate into the semicircular canals. This displacement disrupts the normal fluid flow, resulting in sensations of dizziness or spinning.
What are the symptoms of BPPV?
Symptoms of BPPV include vertigo triggered by movements like rolling over in bed or tilting the head back, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and brief episodes of dizziness. Imbalance or unsteadiness may also occur, especially when changing positions.
What causes BPPV?
There are multiple factors that can contribute to BPPV. Sitting for a long time in a dentist chair with your head in one position, mild head trauma, and other diseases that affect the inner ear can lead to BPPV.
How can physical therapy help BPPV?
At Physio Chicago, our specialized and trained physical therapists offer tailored treatment for BPPV. They employ a series of maneuvers known as canalith repositioning procedures or particle repositioning maneuvers to reposition the displaced calcium crystals within the inner ear. The most common maneuver utilized is the Epley maneuver, although alternatives such as the Semont maneuver and Brandt-Daroff exercises may also be administered.
During treatment sessions, our physical therapists carefully guide patients through precise head and body movements aimed at encouraging the displaced crystals to move out of the affected semicircular canal and into a less sensitive area of the inner ear. This strategic manipulation facilitates the repositioning of the crystals, thereby alleviating vertigo and associated symptoms.
Initial evaluations at Physio Chicago assess the severity and duration of symptoms to determine the most effective treatment approach. Depending on individual needs, multiple sessions may be necessary to achieve optimal results. Additionally, our therapists may provide instructions for home exercises to reinforce treatment effects and prevent symptom recurrence.
Physio Chicago's specialized physical therapists play a vital role in managing BPPV by offering effective techniques for repositioning displaced inner ear crystals and alleviating symptoms of vertigo and dizziness. With our specialized care, many individuals experience significant symptom improvement and can resume normal activities with reduced risk of recurrence.
Give us a call if you are interested in learning more about how physical therapy can help with BPPV and other causes of vertigo. Physio Chicago is conveniently located in Old Irving Park neighborhood on Chicago’s northside in close proximity to Irving Park, Portage Park, Jefferson Park, Forest Glen, Albany Park, Avondale, Logan Square, Hermosa, Bucktown, Humboldt Park, Skokie, and Lincolnwood.
