Vestibular issues, such as dizziness, vertigo, and balance problems, can have a significant impact on daily life. One of the most common causes of these symptoms is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), a condition where small calcium crystals in the inner ear become dislodged and interfere with the vestibular system, leading to dizziness and vertigo. At our clinic, our highly trained physiotherapists specialise in assessing and treating vestibular conditions like BPPV, helping patients regain balance, reduce dizziness, and improve their quality of life.
What is BPPV?
BPPV is a condition that causes brief episodes of dizziness, often triggered by specific head movements like turning over in bed, looking up, or bending down. These sudden bouts of vertigo occur when dislodged calcium particles (otoconia) in the inner ear move into the semicircular canals, disrupting the signals sent to the brain about head position and balance.
While BPPV is not life-threatening, it can significantly interfere with daily activities and increase the risk of falls.
How We Assess Vestibular Issues Like BPPV
Accurately diagnosing BPPV or other vestibular disorders requires a thorough and detailed assessment. Our vestibular physiotherapists follow a structured approach to pinpoint the exact cause of your symptoms.
- We start by taking a detailed history of your symptoms, including when they occur, the nature of the dizziness or vertigo, and the movements or positions that trigger the sensations. This helps us determine whether your symptoms are consistent with BPPV or another vestibular condition.
- Our physiotherapists then will perform a series of tests to assess your vestibular system. One of the most common tests for diagnosing BPPV is the Dix-Hallpike test, which involves moving the head into specific positions to see if it triggers vertigo and involuntary eye movements (nystagmus).
We may also assess your balance, gait, and eye movements to rule out other potential causes of dizziness, such as vestibular neuritis, Meniere’s disease, or vestibular migraine.
If you would like to book in to see one of our vestibular physiotherapists, please call us on 07 3888 6699 or 07 3886 9470 to book or alternatively you can do so using our booking system.