Vertigo, dizziness and BPPV
When the room seems to spin, everyday movements can feel unsettling. Vertigo is a sensation that you or your surroundings are moving when you are still. It can affect your balance and may come with nausea.
Finding the cause comes first. Arrange a medical assessment for new or unexplained vertigo, or symptoms that persist or return. Different causes need different care.
Vertigo and dizziness are not always the same
Dizziness can describe light-headedness, feeling faint or being unsteady. Vertigo more specifically describes a false sense of movement, such as spinning. Describe what you feel, how long it lasts and what brings it on when speaking with your clinician.
Possible causes include BPPV, vestibular migraine, inflammation affecting the inner ear or its balance nerve, and Ménière’s disease. Medicines and other medical conditions can also contribute. Symptoms alone cannot confirm the cause.
Better Health Channel: dizziness, vertigo and balance disorders.
What is BPPV?
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common inner-ear condition. Tiny crystals move out of their usual position into a balance canal, where head movements can trigger misleading movement signals.
People often notice spinning when rolling over in bed, getting into or out of bed, or looking up. Symptoms can settle and then return. These patterns can suggest BPPV, but an assessment is needed to distinguish it from other causes.
Better Health Channel explains BPPV and its symptoms.
How assessment guides treatment
A clinician will ask about the timing and triggers of your symptoms, medical history, medicines, hearing changes and any falls. Examination may include eye movements, balance and carefully selected positional tests. Further medical or specialist assessment may be needed.
Repositioning manoeuvres for BPPV
A health professional trained in treating BPPV may use a sequence of head and body movements to move the displaced crystals. The manoeuvre depends on the findings; some people need more than one treatment. Do not assume that a video or exercise is right for your symptoms. Ask for a diagnosis and individual instructions first.
Balance and vestibular rehabilitation
For suitable conditions, a clinician may recommend exercises to help with balance and movement. This is tailored to the cause and your response, and differs from repositioning treatment for BPPV. Read about vestibular rehabilitation at Better Health Channel.
The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital: BPPV assessment and treatment.
While you arrange an assessment
Sit down if you feel dizzy, rise slowly and use good lighting when moving around at night. Avoid driving or activities where losing balance could cause injury while symptoms are active. Ask your doctor when driving is safe again.