BPPV treatment
Repositioning manoeuvres for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
BPPV is one of the most common causes of rotational vertigo and can usually be treated effectively with specific repositioning manoeuvres aimed at moving dislodged crystals in the vestibular organ.
Make an appointmentWhat does the treatment involve?
In BPPV, small calcium crystals are located in a part of the vestibular organ where they do not belong. Certain head movements can cause these crystals to trigger dizziness.
Treatment consists of specific repositioning manoeuvres where the head and body are moved into different positions to relocate the crystals.
Calcium crystals
Otoconia
Small crystals become dislodged and enter the semicircular canals.
Manoeuvres
Epley, Semont, Barbecue roll
Specific movements to reposition the crystals.
Quick results
1-4 treatments
On average 1 to 4 treatments per canal.
Canalolithiasis and cupulolithiasis
There are different variants of BPPV. Sometimes the crystals move freely through the canal (canalolithiasis). In other cases, the crystals may be stuck (cupulolithiasis).
This difference can influence which manoeuvre is most appropriate.
What is the goal of treatment?
The goal is to return the crystals to their original position so that dizziness symptoms disappear.
Treatment can sometimes provide immediate improvement, but it may also be necessary to repeat the manoeuvre several times.
Sometimes residual instability remains; additional vestibular rehabilitation can then help.
Make an appointment
Unsure whether your symptoms fit BPPV? An initial assessment can help determine the diagnosis and appropriate treatment.