Vestibular Physiotherapy for BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo)
Quick, Effective Relief for a Common Cause of Vertigo

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is one of the most common causes of dizziness and vertigo, particularly in older adults. It occurs when tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear—called otoconia—become dislodged and migrate into the semicircular canals, disrupting normal vestibular function and triggering brief, intense episodes of spinning sensations with certain head movements.

The good news? BPPV can often be quickly and effectively treated with vestibular physiotherapy.

🌀 What Are the Symptoms of BPPV?

BPPV typically causes:

• Sudden vertigo lasting less than a minute, especially with rolling over, looking up, or bending down
• Nausea or light-headedness
• Imbalance or unsteadiness
• Episodes triggered by changes in head position

These symptoms can be distressing, but they are highly treatable with targeted techniques.

🧠 How Vestibular Physiotherapy Can Help

At Advanced Vestibular Clinics, our physiotherapists use evidence-based assessment tools, such as the Dix-Hallpike and Roll Tests, to identify which ear and canal are affected.

Once diagnosed, we use canalith repositioning manoeuvres to guide the dislodged crystals back into their correct position. These include:

• Epley Manoeuvre – most commonly used for posterior canal BPPV
• Barbecue (Lempert) Roll – for horizontal canal BPPV
• Gufoni Manoeuvre – for lateral canal BPPV
• Modified manoeuvres for people with neck or back restrictions

These treatments are highly effective, with success rates of up to 90% in one to three sessions (Bhattacharyya et al., 2017; von Brevern et al., 2015).

👩‍⚕️ What to Expect at Your Appointment

Your physiotherapist will:

1. Take a detailed history of your symptoms
2. Perform specific positional tests to diagnose BPPV
3. Carry out the appropriate repositioning manoeuvre
4. Provide post-treatment instructions and follow-up as needed

For some people, BPPV may recur. Our team will show you how to manage future episodes and reduce your risk of recurrence with vestibular exercises and advice on head positioning.

🌐 Book with Confidence

BPPV is treatable—and you don’t have to live with it. If you’re experiencing brief spinning sensations with movement, contact Advanced Vestibular Clinics today to get the right diagnosis and effective care.

📞 Book now:
👉 www.avcphysio.com.au

🔍 References

• Bhattacharyya, N., et al. (2017). Clinical Practice Guideline: Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (Update). Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, 156(3_suppl), S1–S47.

von Brevern, M., et al. (2015). Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: Diagnostic criteria. Journal of Vestibular Research, 25(3–4), 105–117.