Your Physiotherapist or Doctor can treat this condi-

Your Physiotherapist or Doctor can treat this condition by moving your head through a number of different positions.
BPPV
The aim is to move the crystals back out of the canal
where they will be reabsorbed by your body.
Your physiotherapist may have given you the diagnosis
This treatment is very effective. Many people have
of BBPV. BPPV stands for Benign Paroxysmal Positional
complete resolution of symptoms in one treatment.
Vertigo. It is a very common condition, particularly in
However, the problem can recur in up to 30% of peo-
people who are elderly or have suffered head trauma. It
ple, so you will usually be given a home program so
accounts for around 50% of people over the age of 65
that you can manage yourself if the dizziness returns
who complain of dizziness.
any time in the future. You may need to perform
some balance exercises to treat any remaining bal-
What causes BPPV?
Located in each inner ear are 3 semicircular canals,
filled with fluid, which detect the movements of your
head. From them messages are sent to the brain, which
makes compensatory eye movements so that your vision
remains stable during head movements. These canals
also play a part in helping you balance.
Without this system you would be very unsteady and
your vision would be blurred whenever you move your
head, even in walking, and you would feel very dizzy and
sick.
ance problems once the BPPV has been resolved.
In part of this system there are little calcium carbonate crys-
Following treatment by your Physiotherapist it is im-
tals which are stuck in a thick jelly-like substance. These
portant to follow the directions provided. This usually
crystals can detach from the jelly substance (through a
involves not putting your head down or lying down
blow to the head, or just spontaneously) and fall into any of
until you are ready to go to bed that night. It is not
the canals. Whilst in the canals the crystals change the
unusual for people to feel an exacerbation of their
way the fluid moves in the canal and therefore give false
dizziness on the day they have been treated.
information to your brain about the movement of your head.
This can cause symptoms of dizziness and vertigo when
your head is in certain positions.
Please contact your physiotherapist the number below
if you have any concerns at all.
Typically people with BPPV note that their symptoms are
provoked by rolling over in bed, lying down, standing up,
bending over or looking up. The symptoms usually last for
PHYSIOTHERAPY
DEPARTMENT
less than one minute. Often problems with imbalance,
particularly whilst walking, are associated with this condi-
Princess Alexandra Hospital
tion.
Ipswich Road
Woolloongabba
This condition is diagnosed by a test called the Hallpike-Dix
Phone
07 3240 2401
which involves moving you from a sitting position to lying
Fax
07 3240 7207
down with your head over the edge of the bed.
PHYSIOTHERAPY
DEPARTMENT
A USEFUL EXERCISE
FOR TREATMENT OF
BPPV
Always follow any instructions and advice given
to you by your treating Physiotherapist or Doc-
BPPV
tor. However this exercise may be of use.
Start sitting over the edge of the bed
Turn your head 450 to the left
Quickly lie onto your right side
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Stay in this position until the dizziness stops
plus 30 seconds
If you have no dizziness, remain for 30 seconds
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Sit up, again wait for dizziness to stop plus 30
seconds
Repeat to the opposite side
i.e. turn head to the right 450 and quickly lie
down to the left
PHYSIOTHERAPY
DEPARTMENT
Princess Alexandra Hospital
Stay in this position until the dizziness stops
plus 30 seconds
Repeat the entire cycle 5-10 times
Do this 3 times per day
Ipswich Road
Woolloongabba
Phone
07 3240 2401
Fax
07 3240 7207
Continue until you have been symptom free for
two consecutive days
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