WHAT IS BPPV?

BPPV is a common inner ear condition that causes short lasting vertigo (a type of dizziness usually described as a spinning or a falling sensation), lasting under 1 minute, brought on by certain head or body positions. Some patients also experience feelings of light-headedness, imbalance (wobbliness / unsteadiness when walking or sometimes a feeling of the ground feeling squishy or uneven underfoot), nausea and rarely vomiting.

Dizziness is typically brought on by one or more of the following changes in head or body position:

• Lying down in bed
• Turning over in bed
• Sitting up from lying
• Looking up
• Looking down
• Bending over

How can we help?

BPPV is commonly diagnosed using a procedure called a Dix-Hallpike Test.  You will be asked to lie back quickly with your head turned to one side and over the end of the couch, with support from the clinician.  The clinician will look for characteristic eye movements called ‘nystagmus’ and note any symptoms of dizziness you report feeling.  If you are experiencing symptoms associated with BPPV, it is normal for you to feel briefly dizzy during the Dix-Hallpike Test.  There are variations of the Dix-Hallpike Test that may also be conducted in your appointment. 

The first choice of treatment for BPPV is a Particle Repositioning Manoeuvre (PRM).

This involves moving your head and body through a series of movements, supervised by the clinician. 

WHAT IS VESTIBULAR REHABILITATION?

Vestibular rehabilitation is a treatment programme for individuals with dizziness and/or imbalance.  It involves putting together a personal exercise programme designed especially for you, to help with your symptoms.

The balance organs in the ears normally control head and eye coordination when we move our head.  If there is damage to one or both of the balance organs then head and eye movements may not be coordinated, leading to dizziness and/or imbalance.  Abnormal breathing patterns also cause dizziness.

What does Vestibular Rehabilitation involve?

An individualised exercise plan will be devised for you.  This may contain the following:

• Head/eye coordination exercises for dizziness
• Standing balance exercises
• Walking exercises
• Breathing control exercises

You will usually be required to carry out the exercises at home twice a day.  You will then be given the option to be seen again to monitor your progression and further update your exercise plan.