Do you suffer from dizziness? Does the room spin when you get out of bed? Do you feel light-headed? You may be experiencing BPPV – Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo.
BPPV is a type of vertigo and the most common vestibular disorder. The vestibular system is responsible for our sense of balance and helps coordinate movement with balance.
Benign – not harmful
Paroxysmal – sudden in onset
Positional – triggered when your head moves in certain positions
Vertigo – the feeling of spinning movement when there is none
Many people with BPPV will also experience nausea / vomiting and find it hard to concentrate. It can be a real struggle just to get through the day, and for many, it can be downright debilitating.
Why does this happen?
Tiny calcium carbonate crystals found deep inside the inner ear become dislodged and move into the vestibular canals upsetting the brain’s ability to interpret and coordinate movement and balance.
When someone turns their head, the flow of fluid in the vestibular canals is interfered with by the displaced crystals. This supplies incorrect information to the brain leading to “spinning”, ‘dizziness” and a feeling of “great discomfort”.
Good news!
There is no need to suffer! Physiotherapy can treat and resolve BPPV quickly and effectively using Vestibular Rehabilitation.
What is Vestibular Rehabilitation?
Vestibular rehabilitation is a special type of physiotherapy in which specific treatment techniques and exercises are used to reposition the crystals, improving balance and dizziness-related issues.
Are you located in the Vancouver area?
Book an appointment with one of the physiotherapists at Dunbar Physio who specialize in this area – Lesley Brennan, Mary Sew or Peter Curtain.
