Vertigo (BPPV)
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is a common inner ear disorder that causes spells of intense dizziness or vertigo, triggered by specific head movements. It can also be associated with nausea, feeling unsteady or rapid, involuntary eye movements during an episode of vertigo. It is considered “benign” because it is not life-threatening, but it can have a significant impact on a person’s well-being and quality of life.
What causes BPPV?
The main cause of BPPV is small calcium particles becoming dislodged from their usual position in the inner ear to another part of the inner ear called the ‘semi-circular canals’. The role of the semi-circular canals are to help you balance, but when these particles migrate to them, they can disrupt the normal balance signals sent to the brain, leading to dizziness and vertigo. Factors that can displace these calcium particles include:
- Inner ear infections
- Fever
- Head injuries
- Whiplash
- Vitamin D deficiency
Cautions
As mentioned earlier, BPPV is usually a benign, but unpleasant condition. If you experience any of the following symptoms with vertigo, we advise you call 999 or go to A&E:
- Leg or arm numbness, tingling or weakness
- Difficulty speaking
- Double vision or loss of vision
- Sudden and complete deafness in one or both ears
What can I do to help if I have BPPV?
To help ease symptoms of vertigo, or reduce their frequency, we suggest you:
- Move your head slowly throughout the day.
- Sleep with your head slightly raised.
- Be cautious when getting up from a lying or sitting position.
- Avoid bending over or looking up.
- Stay hydrated.
- Sit down immediately if you begin to experience vertigo.
How can Castle Clinic help my vertigo?
An accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment. At your initial consultation, our experienced practitioners take a full medical history and examine you, so that they can understand if your dizziness is caused by BPPV or another cause, such as labyrinthitis, Ménière’s disease, a reaction to medicine or a migraine.
What appointment should I book?
This depends on your certain symptoms. Here is a short summary of the therapies that may be suitable to help in the management of your vertigo:
Audiology – if your vertigo is associated with hearing loss, tinnitus (a ringing in the ear) or a feeling of pressure deep inside the ear, you are best seeing our audiologist so that they can comprehensively assess your hearing system. You can book an appointment with our audiologist here.
Osteopathy – if your vertigo is linked to head and neck movements and rapid, involuntary eye movement during dizzy episodes, we advise you see one of our osteopaths. If a BPPV diagnosis is confirmed, the osteopaths can advise you on certain exercises to improve balance and reduce dizziness and perform certain procedures that aim to reposition the displaced calcium particles. These procedures include the Semont and Epley manoeuvres and have been shown to be 80% effective in treating BPPV. You can book an appointment with our vertigo specialist here. Please be aware that you will need somebody to drive you home after your appointment if you receive the Semont and Epley manoeuvres.
If you have any further questions about vertigo, please get in touch. If you would like to book an appointment, visit our booking page or call 01423 797800.
Grant Ellis2024-01-24As someone who has suffered with lower back pain for some years, I have found that the osteopathic treatment I’ve had at Castle Clinic, followed by monthly ‘maintenance’ appointments has made a huge difference to my well-being. The practitioners and reception staff are all very friendly and caring, creating a relaxed atmosphere. I have recommended Castle Clinic to friends and family who are are all very impressed with their treatment.
James Towler2024-01-23I consult Jon Rebanks for physiotherapy when I need treatment the aches and pains we all get in life from time to time. I always feel that I am working with the best physio in the Harrogate area.
Paul Williams2024-01-22Excellent physio. Jon has been able to help me get back the full movement of my shoulder - which had been causing me pain for a number of years. He's massively improved my golf swing with the exercises and treatment he provided. He is also a really nice person.
Richard Jackson2024-01-20Jonathan (Jon) Rebanks is an excellent Physiotherapist, he has treated me for back pain, for a few years now and he certainly came into his own last year after I cracked 3 ribs and fractured my vertebrae. He has a pleasant manner, and comes highly recommended for his skills. C Richard Jackson MBE DL
Gillian Green2024-01-18I’ve been going to Castle Clinic for help with a back problem which I’ve had for 3+ years. I have been treated by Simon with Osteopathy and acupuncture. Both of these helped but it kept recurring. Simon did a taster session with the shockwave treatment, it made a huge difference. Sadly he left the practice and recommended I saw Daniel who did the same kind of treatments as him. I saw Daniel a couple of times and he mentioned the taster session I had with Simon with the shockwave treatment and thought it would cure rather than help the problem. I was having back spasms every 6 days which lasted for 4 days and the pain was awful. I had a course of 3 treatments, 1/week and I’ve been pain free for 21/2 months. I can’t recommend this treatment enough it has got me off all the prescription drugs and more importantly I’m able to do everything… Thank you so much Daniel and Simon
Richard2024-01-17Excellent service. Physiotherapy. Jon Rebanks swiftly found the underlying cause of a long standing problem. The combination of his treatments and exercises to take away, has put me right direction
Sandra Marks2024-01-15A slightly uncomfortable treatment at times but talked through and handled expertly by Daniel. This treatment is decreasing my foot and Achilles pain and any stiffness has been greatly reduced.
Gareth Welburn2024-01-14Pedicare. Good place. See Sarah.
Peter Drew2024-01-12I have been attending many visits to Castle Clinic Physiotherapy department with an annoying problem with my left shoulder following a fall some years ago. Following many treatments I am pleased to confirm that I am back to full health and can continue to play many games of golf. Thank you Jon Rebanks for all your help all all the very best for the New Year. Peter Drew
Catherine O'Sullivan2024-01-11I have been coming to Castle Clinic for over 20 years, primarily for Osteopathic treatment to aid my Rheumatoid Arthritis and other ailments as they continue to present themselves in feet, neck and shoulders. All members of my family have also been looked after with great care and professionalism and I continue to recommend friends for consultations and treatment. Sebastian Contreras and his team are all very experienced and demonstrate great empathy toward their patients. You will be glad you went.