Physiotherapy Treatment For Vertigo Caused By BPPV

Vertigo is a problem that affects around half the population at some point in their lives and is more common as we get older. Fortunately, the symptoms usually only last for a few seconds to a minute or so, but the symptoms are very unpleasant including:
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• A sense of rotating
• Inability to stand or walk

What Causes Vertigo

It is widely accepted as the most common cause of vertigo is BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo) and this is linked to the 3 semi-circular canals in the inner ear. The role of these canals is to sense the position of the head in the 3 axes of up /down, right / left, forward/ backwards. If any incorrect signals occur, the brain doesn’t know where your head is and gets confused.

Faulty signals are caused by very small chalk crystals becoming loose and getting into the semi-circular canals. These loose crystals then move in the canals, stimulating faulty signals.

The types of movement which most frequently initiate a vertigo attack are rolling over in bed, getting out of bed, sitting up after lying flat or looking up or down.

Vertigo Treatment

Left untreated, vertigo will usually resolve itself but may take several months. Fortunately, treatment is fairly simple and painless and typically no more than 3 specialised Physiotherapy treatments are needed over a couple of weeks.

David Paling, a senior physiotherapist and our clinical lead can diagnose and treat BPPV.

If you or someone you know is suffering from vertigo, then physiotherapy treatment with us should seriously be considered.

Call the clinic now on 01889 881488 and ask for an assessment with David.