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Dizziness and concussion
Vertigo and BPPV treatment in Shirley, MA
The short answer
BPPV, short for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, is the most common cause of vertigo. Tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear move into the wrong canal, so certain head moves, like rolling over in bed or looking up, set off a short, strong spin. It is usually very treatable. A trained physical therapist can find which canal is involved and guide the crystals back with specific head position moves, and many people feel much better within a few visits.
On this page
What usually causes vertigo
Vertigo is the feeling that you or the room is spinning. It is a symptom, and the cause matters.
- BPPV
- Short spins, usually under a minute, when you change head position. The most common cause of vertigo.
- Inner ear inflammation
- Vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis can cause days of strong vertigo, then weeks of unsteadiness.
- After a head injury
- A concussion or a fall can knock inner ear crystals loose or upset the balance system.
- Other causes
- Migraine, Meniere's disease, medications and some medical problems can cause vertigo too. Part of our job is to tell when you need a doctor.
When to get it checked
Get checked if the room spins when you roll over, lie down, look up or bend down, or if spinning spells keep coming back. Call 911 or go to the emergency room right away if dizziness comes on suddenly with a severe headache, trouble speaking, face drooping, weakness or numbness on one side, double vision, fainting, chest pain, or a racing or irregular heartbeat.
What you can do at home right now
These are safe starting points for most people. They are not a replacement for a proper evaluation.
- Move slowly
- Sit up in stages and sit on the edge of the bed for a moment before you stand.
- Stay safe
- Hold a railing on stairs and skip ladders and driving while spinning spells are happening.
- Skip the online videos for now
- Head position moves work best when they match the right ear and canal. Getting tested first saves time.
How we treat vertigo and BPPV at Whole Health Solutions
Your physical therapist is with you for the whole appointment, start to finish. We test which ear and which canal is involved before we treat.
01
Relieve
Head position moves, called canalith repositioning, matched to your ear and canal to move the crystals back where they belong.
02
Rebuild
Balance and gaze exercises to clear leftover unsteadiness, plus a plan for what to do if it ever comes back.
03
Perform
Back to sleeping, bending, looking up, driving and exercising without waiting for the next spin.
04
Thrive
Stay with the team that knows you. Check ins, training and a quick tune up whenever something new comes up, so this stays in the past.
Thrive is not a finish line. When you are ready for your next goal, the same team that got you here is ready too.
★★★★★
"I have seen improvement in my balance and have less fear of falling."
Talk to our vestibular physical therapist
A free consult to tell us what is going on and see if we can help.
Common questions about vertigo and BPPV
Can physical therapy fix BPPV?
Often, yes. Head position moves matched to the right ear and canal clear BPPV for many people in one to a few visits. It can come back, so we also teach you what to watch for.
What is the Epley maneuver?
The Epley maneuver is one head position move used for the most common type of BPPV. It only works for that type, so testing first matters.
How do I know if my vertigo is BPPV?
BPPV usually causes short spins with head moves like rolling over or looking up. Your physical therapist confirms it with simple position tests that watch your eyes.
Do I need a referral for vertigo?
No. You can book directly with us. Most of our clients do use their insurance for reimbursement of our physical therapy services. We go over everything in the discovery meeting.
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Everyone is different, so the best next step is an evaluation with one of our physical therapists.
Visit us
Serving 22+ nearby towns and beyond
2 Shaker Road, Suite C200, Shirley, MA 01464. Monday to Thursday, 5:00 am to 8:00 pm, Friday, 5:00 am to 3:00 pm, and Saturday, 6:00 am to 1:00 pm.