Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common inner ear disorder and one of the most common causes of vertigo. Vertigo is the sudden feeling of spinning or moving. Certain positions often trigger the brief periods of dizziness such as moving the head up or down or looking side to side; bending forward; and lying down or rolling from side to side or sitting up in bed.
Common symptoms of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo include dizziness, vertigo, nausea and vomiting and a loss of balance when standing or walking. The symptoms of BPPV typically come and go and often last less than a minute. You should see your healthcare professional if the dizziness or vertigo is sudden, intense, lasts a long time or keeps coming back. BPPV is highly treatable and often resolves quickly with simple maneuvers. You should see your healthcare professional right away if you experience symptoms such as a new headache, a fever, vision changes like double vision, hearing loss, numbness or tingling, arm or leg weakness, fainting, falling or trouble walking along with the symptoms of dizziness or vertigo for further investigation and testing.
BPPV is primarily diagnosed through a physical exam. The most common test is the Dix-Hallpike Maneuver. A chiropractor moves your head and body into specific positions while monitoring eye movement and asking if it triggers the vertigo. The supine roll test involves turning the head from side to side while you are lying flat.
Chiropractors primarily treat BPPV through the Epley Maneuver. It's a quick and effective repositioning technique that moves the inner ear crystals to relieve dizziness. Chiropractic care can also include cervical spine adjustments, muscle therapy, nutritional and dietary support and at-home exercises such as the Foster half somersault, Gufoni and Sermont liberatory maneuvers for additional support.
Things you can do to help your symptoms of BPPV improve include:
- Move carefully - avoid sudden head movements or lying flat when dizzy
- Sleep slightly elevated - use pillows to keep your head above shoulder level while sleeping
- Protect your affected side - avoid lying on the side that triggers symptoms
- Do your home exercises - such as Brandt-Daroff exercises
- Stay hydrated - drinking enough water can help reduce the frequency and intensity of dizziness
- Check in with your provider - follow up to ensure your symptoms are improving and to adjust care if needed
- Avoid risky activities - don't drive or operate machinery while experiencing active vertigo
For quick reference, check out the BPPV and Dizziness Infographic below.
