Vertigo / BPPV
Vertigo is a spinning sensation, and BPPV, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, is among its most common causes. Tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear shift out of place, and a simple repositioning maneuver can help move them back. Xcelerate Physical Therapy provides vertigo physical therapy in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania.
Vertigo is not the same as general dizziness
Vertigo treatment starts with knowing what kind of spinning you have: the room spinning around you, or you spinning inside a still room. Everyone has a dizzy spell now and then, but vertigo is a distinct feeling that you or the room are spinning, and it can last a long time. Lightheadedness or feeling faint is different. If your problem is ongoing unsteadiness rather than spinning, see vestibular rehab and balance.
What BPPV is and what sets it off
Calcium crystals, called otoconia and also known as ear crystals, belong in one part of the inner ear. In positional vertigo they shift into a semicircular canal.
Rolling over in bed
Many people feel the room spinning when they roll over in bed, and, and the spinning stops after a short time. A common search is dizzy when I roll over in bed.
Lying down or looking up
Being dizzy when I lie down, tipping the head back to reach a shelf and bending forward are typical triggers.
Sudden onset
Many balance disorders start suddenly and with no obvious cause, which is one reason an evaluation matters.
How we find out it is BPPV and how we treat it
Positional testing
Your therapist moves your head into specific positions and watches your eyes for the signs of BPPV, which also tells us which ear and canal are involved.
The Epley maneuver
The Epley maneuver is a series of simple head and body movements that helps move the crystals out of the canal. In many cases one session works. Others need the procedure several times to relieve their dizziness.
When it is not BPPV
Dizziness can also come from other inner ear conditions, medications, low blood pressure, or problems of the nerves or brain. If testing does not point to BPPV, your plan shifts to balance and eye-movement retraining, described on vestibular rehab. Our therapists also collaborate with your doctor on the cause.
Go to the ER right away if vertigo comes with
Most vertigo is not an emergency, but these signs are.
- Slurred speech
- A drooping face
- Weakness in an arm or leg
- Double vision
- A sudden, severe headache
In Pennsylvania you can see a physical therapist without a physician’s referral, but your insurance may require one: call the number on your insurance card to check, or call us before your first visit.
Related care
Vertigo and BPPV care in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania
Xcelerate Physical Therapy treats vertigo and bppv at our Newtown Square clinic, 214 S. Newtown Street Road.
In Pennsylvania you can see a physical therapist without a physician’s referral, but your insurance may require one: call the number on your insurance card to check, or call us before your first visit.
Meet the people who treat you on our team page.