Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo Treatment
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) and general
vertigo are related but distinct conditions involving dizziness and balance
issues. In BPPV Physiotherapy is the best treatment.
Book your physiotherapy session with Dr Paras Dhhaka at his Physiotherapyclinic Gurgaon, our dedicated physios and experienced physiotherapists help the
patient in gaining strength and stability by doing exercises and stretches
which improve the overall strength of the patient. Here’s a detailed overview
of each:
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV):
Cause:
- Inner
Ear Issue: BPPV is caused by the displacement of tiny calcium crystals
(otoconia) within the inner ear, specifically in the semicircular canals.
These crystals can interfere with normal fluid movement in the inner ear,
disrupting the body's sense of balance.
Symptoms:
- Brief
Episodes of Vertigo: Typically triggered by specific changes in head
position, such as rolling over in bed, looking up, or bending over.
- Dizziness:
A spinning sensation that lasts for seconds to minutes.
- Nausea
and Imbalance: Can accompany the vertigo.
- No
Hearing Loss: Unlike some other forms of vertigo, BPPV does not
usually involve hearing loss.
Diagnosis:
- Medical
History and Physical Examination: Includes specific tests like the
Dix-Hallpike maneuver or the Roll test to provoke and diagnose the
condition.
- Imaging
Tests: Sometimes used to rule out other conditions but are not
typically necessary for diagnosing BPPV.
Treatment:
- Canalith
Repositioning Maneuvers: Techniques like the Epley maneuver or the
Semont maneuver are used to move the displaced crystals back to their
proper location in the inner ear.
- Vestibular
Rehabilitation: Exercises to help the brain adjust to changes in
balance.
- Home
Exercises: Simple exercises like the Brandt-Daroff exercises can be
performed at home to alleviate symptoms.
Management and Prevention:
- Avoid
Triggers: For BPPV, learning to avoid head positions that trigger
symptoms can help manage the condition.
- Regular
Exercises: Engaging in balance and vestibular exercises can help
improve stability and reduce the frequency of vertigo episodes.
- Consult
a Healthcare Professional: Accurate diagnosis and appropriate
treatment are crucial, especially if vertigo is persistent, severe, or
associated with other symptoms like sudden hearing loss or severe
headache.
If you suspect you have BPPV or another form of vertigo,
it's important to consult with a healthcare professional who can perform the
necessary evaluations and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
Physiotherapy is a key treatment for Benign Paroxysmal
Positional Vertigo (BPPV), a condition caused by displaced calcium crystals in
the inner ear. The primary goal of physiotherapy for BPPV is to relieve vertigo
symptoms by repositioning these crystals and improving the patient's balance
and functional stability. Physiotherapy in Vertigo is
the best option to improve your condition for. For
appointment, please dial 9999959921\8510013420 and take best physiotherapy
treatment. Here’s a detailed overview of physiotherapy techniques used in the
management of BPPV:
1. Canalith Repositioning Manoeuvres
These manoeuvres aim to move the displaced calcium crystals
(otoconia) from the semicircular canals of the inner ear to a location where
they no longer cause vertigo.
- Epley
Manoeuvre:
- Procedure:
- Starting
Position: Sit upright on a bed with your legs extended.
- Head
Turn: Turn your head 45 degrees toward the affected side.
- Reclining:
Quickly lie back with your head still turned, so that your head hangs
slightly off the edge of the bed.
- Hold:
Remain in this position for about 30 seconds or until vertigo subsides.
- Head
Turn and Roll: Turn your head 90 degrees to the opposite side
without lifting it. Hold for 30 seconds.
- Turn
and Sit: Roll your body onto your side, and then sit up while
keeping your head in the same position.
- Objective:
Move the crystals through the semicircular canals to the utricle, where
they can be reabsorbed.
- Semont
Manoeuvre:
- Procedure:
- Starting
Position: Sit on a bed with your legs extended and head turned 45
degrees toward the affected side.
- Lie
Down Quickly: Quickly lie down on the side opposite the affected
ear.
- Hold
and Return: Remain in this position for 30 seconds, then quickly
move to the opposite side (facing down) and hold for 30 seconds.
- Sit
Up: Return to a sitting position.
- Objective:
Reposition the crystals in the opposite direction to relieve symptoms.
- Barbecue
Roll Manoeuvre:
- Procedure:
- Starting
Position: Sit upright with your legs extended.
- Roll:
Roll onto your side (toward the affected ear) and hold for 30 seconds.
- Roll
to the Other Side: Roll onto the opposite side (still with your head
turned), and hold for 30 seconds.
- Return
to Sitting: Sit up slowly.
- Objective:
Treat horizontal BPPV by moving crystals in the horizontal canal.
2. Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)
VRT is used to help patients adapt to changes in their
vestibular system and improve balance and coordination.
- Gaze
Stabilization Exercises:
- Procedure:
Focus on a stationary object while moving your head side to side or up
and down. This helps improve the Vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR), which
stabilizes vision during head movements.
- Example
Exercise: Hold a card or a fixed point and move your head rapidly
back and forth while maintaining focus.
- Balance
and Coordination Training:
- Procedure:
Perform exercises to improve balance and coordination, such as standing
on one leg, walking heel-to-toe, or using a balance board.
- Example
Exercise: Practice tandem walking (walking in a straight line with
one foot directly in front of the other) to improve stability.
- Habituation
Exercises:
- Procedure:
Repeatedly perform specific movements or positions that trigger vertigo
in a controlled manner to help the brain adapt and reduce sensitivity.
- Example
Exercise: Slowly perform head turns or positional changes that
previously caused dizziness, starting with minimal movement and gradually
increasing as tolerated.
3. Postural Education and Fall Prevention
Educating patients on safe movements and fall prevention
strategies can reduce the risk of accidents and help manage vertigo symptoms.
- Posture
Correction:
- Procedure:
Teach proper posture to reduce strain on the vestibular system and
improve balance.
- Example:
Adjust sitting and standing postures to maintain proper alignment and
avoid sudden head movements.
- Home
Modifications:
- Procedure:
Advise on making the home environment safer to prevent falls, such as
removing tripping hazards and installing grab bars in bathrooms.
4. Self-Management Techniques
Provide patients with techniques and exercises to manage
their symptoms at home.
- Home
Exercises:
- Procedure:
Provide a tailored exercise program that includes canalith repositioning
maneuvers, gaze stabilization, and balance exercises to be performed
regularly.
- Example:
Daily practice of Epley maneuver or Brandt-Daroff exercises as
prescribed.
- Symptom
Management:
- Procedure:
Teach techniques to manage vertigo symptoms when they occur, such as
lying down and remaining still until symptoms subside.
Considerations for Physiotherapy in BPPV:
- Individualized
Treatment: Treatment should be tailored to the specific type of BPPV
and the patient’s symptoms.
- Professional
Guidance: Initially performed by a trained physiotherapist to ensure
proper technique and safety.
- Follow-Up:
Regular follow-up to assess progress and make adjustments to the treatment
plan as needed.
If you experience symptoms of BPPV or vertigo, consulting with a physiotherapist specializing in vestibular disorders can help provide a comprehensive treatment plan and effective management strategies. If you’re new to physiotherapy for Vertigo or need adjustments to your current program, consulting with Dr Paras Dhhaka the renowned physiotherapist in Gurgaon with 18 years of experience in managing inflammatory arthritis can be highly beneficial.