Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, or BPPV, is the most common cause of the symptoms of vertigo. It is a disorder of the inner ear that can cause you to feel like the room is spinning, usually when lying down or looking up.
Symptoms rarely last more than a minute and can come and go. The condition is not often serious but can be very bothersome for those affected. Fortunately, BPPV can be treated with specific head movements performed by a physical therapist trained in vestibular therapy.
What causes BPPV?
BPPV occurs when tiny calcium crystals inside the ear break off and move into another area, usually the posterior canal. A physical therapist can perform a special maneuver to move the crystals back into place.
Michael Nickeas, clinic director at ATI Munster South, demonstrates one test to determine if you have BPPV.
To find an ATI Physical Therapist near you trained in Vestibular Therapy, please visit our Specialty Services page.