Vertigo is the symptom of spinning or a false sense of movement. BPPV is a common cause of vertigo. It is triggered by a change in head position relative to gravity.
The vertigo symptoms are caused by calcium carbonate crystals. These crystals are usually located within a sensory organ called the utricle. In BPPV they dislodge and fall into one or more canals of the vestibular apparatus. That is the balance centre within our inner ear.
Symptoms
A person with BPPV will experience a brief sense of vertigo (spinning). It is typically triggered by rolling over in bed, getting in or out of bed, and looking up or down. BPPV can cause nausea and a sense of unsteadiness when walking around.
Diagnosis
A vestibular physiotherapist will place the person in a position that may induce vertigo symptoms. During this test, a nystagmus (involuntary eye movement) will be seen. The direction the eyes move indicates which canal in the vestibular apparatus is affected.
Treatment
BPPV is treated using an evidence-based canalith repositioning manoeuvre. The manoeuvre places the person in a sequence of positions in order to move the crystals out of the vestibular canals.
Take this with you
This page is drawn from our BPPV handout, which you can download and take to your GP or specialist.
Download the BPPV handout (PDF)