What is BPPV? Understanding Vertigo and How Physio Can Help
Have you ever felt like the room is spinning when you roll over in bed or look up too quickly? You might be experiencing something called BPPV, one of the most common causes of vertigo. At After Hours Physio, we frequently help patients suffering from BPPV—often during evening or weekend visits when urgent care is needed most.
What is BPPV?
BPPV stands for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo. It’s a condition that causes brief episodes of dizziness or vertigo, typically triggered by specific head movements.
In simple terms, BPPV occurs when tiny calcium crystals (called otoconia) become dislodged from their normal position in the inner ear and migrate into the semicircular canals. This disrupts your brain’s ability to accurately detect head movements, resulting in dizziness.
Common Symptoms of BPPV
- Sudden, short bursts of spinning dizziness
- Feeling off-balance or light-headed
- Nausea (sometimes vomiting)
- Symptoms triggered by:
- Rolling over in bed
- Looking up or down
- Bending over or turning your head
These episodes usually last less than a minute but can feel intense and disorienting.
Who Gets BPPV?
BPPV can affect anyone but is more common in adults over 50, especially after a recent head injury, illness, or long periods of inactivity (like bed rest). It can also be more frequent in people with a history of migraines or inner ear conditions.
How Physiotherapy Can Treat BPPV
The good news? BPPV is highly treatable—often in just one or two sessions.
At After Hours Physio, we use a proven technique called the Epley Maneuver or other canalith repositioning maneuvers to guide the crystals back into their proper position. Treatment is:
- Safe and non-invasive
- Quick and effective – most patients feel immediate or rapid relief
- Delivered in the comfort of your home, perfect for when symptoms are too severe to travel
What to Expect After Treatment: Post-Treatment Management Plan
While many people feel better almost immediately after treatment, a structured post-treatment plan can help speed up recovery and reduce the chance of symptoms returning.
Here’s what we recommend:
1. Rest with Care for the First 24–48 Hours
- Avoid lying flat—sleep slightly elevated (two pillows or a recliner chair works well)
- Try to sleep on your non-affected side
- Avoid sudden head movements or tilting your head backward
2. Balance Exercises (if needed)
If dizziness persists mildly, we may prescribe simple balance or habituation exercises like:
- Brandt-Daroff exercises
- Gaze stabilization and head-turning drills
These are especially helpful if your brain is still adapting after crystal repositioning.
3. Hydration and Light Activity
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
- Go for light walks to help recalibrate your balance system
- Avoid heavy lifting, bending, or looking up/down too quickly for a few days
4. Follow-Up Appointment
In some cases, a second treatment is needed. We’ll schedule a follow-up check-in within a few days to ensure symptoms have resolved and there’s no recurrence.
When to Call After Hours Physio
Contact us if:
- You’re experiencing sudden, spinning dizziness or imbalance
- Your vertigo is making it unsafe to drive or move around the house
- You’re unsure if it’s BPPV or something more serious (we can assess this on-site)
Our mobile physiotherapy team is trained to provide on-the-spot assessment and treatment, even after hours, so you can recover safely at home.
After Hours Physio: Relief From Vertigo When You Need It Most
At After Hours Physio, we specialise in urgent, home-based care for conditions like BPPV. You don’t need to suffer through the night or wait until Monday to feel better.
Whether it’s late in the evening, over the weekend, or on a public holiday—we’re here to help.
Book a Home Visit Today
📞 Call us now or book online for fast, effective relief from vertigo and dizziness in the comfort of your own home.