Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment for BPPV Vertigo

Posted by Harbor Physical Therapy on April 6th, 2021

BPPV or Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is one of the most common causes of vertigo. It is the sudden sensation that you are spinning or that the inside of your head is spinning. If you have BPPV vertigo in Gig Harbor, there are several clinics where you can receive treatment. One of the most well-known clinics for BPPV vertigo treatment in Gig Harbor is Harbor Physical Therapy.

At Harbor Physical Therapy, the expert physicians offer compassionate and specialized care to help you achieve your physical therapy goals. 

1. Symptoms of BPPV:

The signs and symptoms of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo or BPPV may include:

• Dizziness

• A loss of balance or unsteadiness

• A sense that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving (vertigo)

• Vomiting

• Nausea

• The signs and symptoms of BPPV can come and go and commonly last less than one minute. Episodes of BPPV can disappear for some time and then recur.

However, the signs and symptoms of BPPV can vary from person to person depending on their activities. Some people also feel out of balance when standing or walking.

2. When to see a doctor

If you are experiencing any recurrent, sudden, severe, or prolonged and unexplained dizziness or vertigo, you should make an appointment with your doctor.

The feeling of dizziness is not necessarily a sign of serious illness. However, you should see your doctor immediately if you experience dizziness or vertigo along with any of the following:

• Severe headache

• Loss of consciousness

• Sudden fever

• Hearing loss

• Falling or difficulty walking

• Trouble speaking

• Double vision or loss of vision

• Leg or arm weakness

• Numbness or tingling

3. Causes of BPPV:

Often there is no known cause for the onset of BPPV. These cases are known as Idiopathic BPPV. However, the following conditions might lead to BPPV:

• Head injury

• Old age

• Bed rest for a prolonged period

• Ear infection

• Ear surgery

4. Treatment for BPPV:

• Canalith Repositioning:

Since BPPV is a physical disorder caused by the displacement of otoconial debris, BPPV vertigo treatment in Gig Harbor sometimes involves repositioning these particles back to their original position.

• Brandt-Dariff Exercise

When you have BPPV, your physician might suggest a Brandt-Dariff exercise. It helps the brain cope with the confusing signals it receives, as a result of inner ear problems.

If you are experiencing BPPV, you can make an appointment with an expert provider at Harbor Physical Therapy for the right treatment.