Vertigo/Particle Repositioning Program

What is Benign paryoxysmal positional vertigo, or BPPV?
BPPV, commonly known as "vertigo," is a condition of the inner ear that causes feelings of dizziness, spinning, light-headedness, or nausea. Normally, particles contained in the inner ear are embedded in a membrane at the base of a structure called the semicircular canals. When these particles are loose and floating in the semicircular canals, the inner ear gives the individual a false perception of directional movement. Symptoms of vertigo and dizziness may come and go as the particles settle and are then disturbed again. These particles can also get lodged between the hair cells that line the semicircular canals, causing intermittent vertigo as they are knocked loose.

Which movements trigger the vertigo sensation?
Activities that bring on the symptoms vary with each person. Some common times that people feel vertigo are when:

• First lying down or getting up
• Rolling over
• Turning the head quickly
• Looking up or down
  

What causes BPPV?
In most cases, the cause of vertigo is unknown. Some events that cause the particles to jar loose are:

• A head injury
  
• A quick turn of the head with sudden force, as in a car accident
• Degeneration of the inner ear secondary to advanced age or infection
  

How is BPPV treated?
A physician can prescribe medication to control motion sickness and nausea. Though these drugs can effectively control the symptoms of vertigo, they do not cure the problem of loose particles in the semi-circular canals. A combination of both medication and physical therapy is essential for comprehensive vestibular rehabilitation.

How can physical therapy help?
A physical therapist specifically trained in vestibular rehabilitation performs the evaluation and treatment. A non-invasive, manual technique involving body positioning is used to return the inner ear particles to the appropriate place at the base of the semicircular canals. Once the particles are repositioned, the symptoms of vertigo subside. The first physical therapy session is typically 30-60 minutes in length. Patients usually need to return for 2-3 additional treatments to ensure that symptoms do not return.

A physician's referral is required for evaluation and treatment.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 314-881-4220.