At Abby Physiotherapy, our dedicated wellness team—including physiotherapists, chiropractor, and registered massage therapists—are here to help address your vertigo and vestibular concerns and get your balance back!
Do you feel as though you’re on a merry-go-round when you get out of bed or rise in the morning? We can help determine if you are experiencing Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). This condition can make you feel like the room is spinning, and it’s often paired with nausea or rapid eye movements (fancy term: nystagmus). Nystagmus occurs when the dislodged calcium crystals in the inner ear send mixed signals to the brain, leading to abnormal eye movements and a sense of imbalance. Typically, BPPV affects one ear at a time, with dizzy spells lasting only a few minutes.
So, what’s causing this dizzy sensation? The inner ear’s canals, which are filled with fluid, help your brain detect head movements. When loose calcium crystals move through these canals, the fluid is disturbed, sending confusing signals to the brain. This mismatch of information between the ears creates the sensation of the room spinning – making even simple turns feel like you’re in a Tilt-A-Whirl.
Good news: BPPV isn’t a big deal, but there are some symptoms you shouldn’t ignore—like severe weakness, numbness, constant dizziness, the worst headache of your life, or changes in hearing and vision. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it’s time to see a doctor.
BPPV commonly triggers dizziness during head movements, especially when rolling over or sitting up. While it’s more prevalent in people over 50, anyone can experience it. The exact cause of BPPV is unknown, though it may result from a head injury, fall, or accompany a migraine.
There’s no need to worry! Our skilled physiotherapists and chiropractor can guide you through specialized maneuvers to reposition the displaced crystals. Along with these techniques, your treatment will include balance training, strength exercises, and stretching to relieve tension in your neck and back muscles.
What can you expect during your first physiotherapy or chiropractic appointment?
- A detailed history to determine if your symptoms align with BPPV.
- A comprehensive neck and back assessment to identify muscle tightness.
- The Dix-Hallpike maneuver (also called the Roll Test), where your head is quickly rotated while lying down to check for dizziness and nystagmus. If positive, this test indicates BPPV.
- Visual tests to assess your ability to track moving objects.
- A positional stability test to observe dizziness when transitioning from sitting to lying down.
- Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers, such as the Epley maneuver, which your practitioner will demonstrate so you can continue at home.
With a tailored regimen of home exercises for vestibular rehabilitation, you’ll be back in balance in no time! Many patients experience relief within 1 to 3 treatments – sometimes even right away.
If you’re feeling dizzy, now is the time to book your appointment for vertigo and BPPV care at Abby Physiotherapy -let’s get you back on solid ground!