Have you ever felt the world spinning around you when you simply turned your head or rolled over in bed? That unsettling sensation is what we call vertigo, and one of the most common causes behind it is a condition known as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). While the experience can be distressing, the good news is—it's not serious and can be effectively treated.
BPPV occurs when tiny calcium carbonate crystals, called otoconia, become dislodged from their normal position in a part of the inner ear called the utricle. These crystals then move into one of the semicircular canals, which are responsible for sensing head movement and maintaining balance.
When these loose crystals move within the canal, they interfere with the normal flow of fluid and send conflicting signals to the brain. This confusion between what your inner ear senses and what your eyes see results in the feeling of spinning or imbalance.
Under normal circumstances, otoconia sit quietly within the utricle, playing a role in detecting gravity and linear motion. Sometimes, due to head injury, age-related degeneration, or inner ear conditions, these crystals can become dislodged and drift into the semicircular canals.
Every time you change the position of your head—like rolling in bed, bending down, or looking up—the displaced crystals shift, triggering vertigo. The dizziness usually lasts less than a minute but can be intense and disorienting.
The hallmark symptom of BPPV is brief, sudden dizziness triggered by specific head movements. You might notice it when:
Along with vertigo, some people may experience nausea or a sense of imbalance that lingers for a short while after the spinning stops.
Several factors can contribute to the onset of BPPV:
Diagnosis usually begins with a detailed history of your symptoms, followed by specific clinical tests. One of the most reliable is the Dix–Hallpike maneuver, where your head is moved into certain positions to observe for nystagmus (involuntary eye movements) and dizziness. These findings help confirm the diagnosis and identify which ear and canal are affected.
The first line of treatment involves specific head and body movements—such as the Epley maneuver—to guide the displaced crystals back into the utricle. This procedure is safe, quick, and often provides immediate relief.
In some cases, additional vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) may be prescribed to improve balance and reduce residual dizziness. These tailored exercises help retrain your brain to adapt to inner ear changes and regain stability.
Yes, sometimes it can resolve naturally over time. However, treatment usually provides faster and more reliable relief, preventing prolonged discomfort or risk of falls.
It's best to avoid sudden head movements, sleeping on the affected side, and activities that involve looking up or bending down—especially in the first 24 hours after treatment. Also, refrain from driving or operating machinery until the vertigo has settled completely.
At M7 Lifestyle & Wellness (M7LW), our evidence-based approach focuses on more than just symptom relief. We aim to restore your confidence and quality of life through:
If you or someone you know is experiencing vertigo or dizziness, don't ignore it. A simple assessment can identify the cause and help you recover quickly and safely.
📍 Visit us at M7LW, Anna Nagar, Chennai, or reach out to schedule an appointment and experience our comprehensive care for BPPV firsthand.
Categories: Vestibular Rehabilitation, Physiotherapy Tags: #BPPV, #vertigo, #dizziness
Phone: +91 8148 66 5479
Email: m7physiocentre@gmail.com
Address: Anna Nagar, Chennai
Hours: Mon-Sat: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
