What Is BPPV?
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common cause of vertigo, characterized by dizziness and spinning sensations that occur when moving the head or changing positions. This condition is caused by tiny calcium crystals in the vestibular system of the inner ear, which can become displaced and interact with nerves that communicate information to the brain about head and eye position.
Symptoms of BPPV
If you have BPPV, you may experience:
- Dizziness and spinning sensations when moving your head or changing positions
- Vertigo that is sudden and intense
- Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
Treatment for BPPV
Treatment for BPPV typically involves attempting to reposition the calcium crystals in the vestibular system to help alleviate symptoms. Your healthcare provider may recommend the following:
- The Semont maneuver, also known as the liberatory maneuver, which involves repositioning the calcium crystals in the posterior canal of the vestibular organ
- The Epley maneuver, which is a different exercise that can be used if the Semont maneuver is not effective
- Brandt-Daroff exercises, which are designed to help your body habituate to and compensate for BPPV
The Semont Maneuver
The Semont maneuver is a simple procedure that can be performed by a physical therapist to help treat BPPV. Here’s what you can expect during the procedure:
- Sit on the edge of a treatment table or bed
- Your physical therapist will assess which side of your vestibular system is affected by BPPV and manually turn your head 45 degrees away from the affected side
- You will then be quickly lying down on the side that is affected by BPPV, with your head looking up at the ceiling
- This position may cause dizziness, but you should remain in this position until the symptoms resolve
- Your physical therapist will then move you up into a seated position and help you over to your unaffected side, with your head in the same position
- This position may also cause some vertigo, but you should remain in this position until the symptoms pass
- Your physical therapist will then guide you back up into the seated position
Conclusion
If you have BPPV, it is essential to seek treatment from a physical therapist who specializes in vestibular issues. With proper treatment, you can eliminate your symptoms and return to your normal level of function. Remember to remain upright for a few hours after the Semont maneuver and to sleep with your head propped up on a few pillows to help alleviate symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is BPPV?
A: BPPV is a common cause of vertigo caused by tiny calcium crystals in the vestibular system of the inner ear.
Q: What are the symptoms of BPPV?
A: Symptoms of BPPV include dizziness and spinning sensations when moving the head or changing positions.
Q: How is BPPV treated?
A: BPPV is typically treated with the Semont maneuver, Epley maneuver, or Brandt-Daroff exercises.
Q: What is the Semont maneuver?
A: The Semont maneuver is a simple procedure that can be performed by a physical therapist to help treat BPPV by repositioning the calcium crystals in the vestibular system.
