BPPV Treatment in Calgary
Caring, Individualized Vestibular Physiotherapy at Home
What is BPPV?
BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo) is a common inner ear condition that causes brief episodes of dizziness or spinning when you change head position, such as lying down or turning in bed.
Common symptoms of BPPV
Brief episodes of vertigo (spinning) when lying down or rolling in bed
Dizziness when turning your head
Nausea with head movement
Feeling off-balance
What causes BPPV?
BPPV occurs when small “crystals” in the inner ear become displaced and move into the semicircular canals, disrupting your sense of balance and causing abnormal eye movements.
How is it diagnosed?
Not all vertigo or dizziness is related to BPPV. Diagnosis is made based on thorough interview on symptoms and history and clinical positioning tests. My role as an experienced clinician is to establish a clear diagnosis based on the symptom pattern and clinical tests, understand how it is affecting your life, and rule out any other underlying conditions.
Treatment for BPPV
Vestibular physiotherapy is highly effective for BPPV. Once a clear diagnosis is made, you will undergo specific repositioning maneuvers to move the displaced crystals out of the semicircular canals. Because the treatment can sometimes temporarily leave you more symptomatic, many patients refrain from driving immediately after treatment. Don’t worry - I will bring care to your home, so you can focus on your recovery.
Recovery time for BPPV
Most cases of BPPV improve within 1-2 treatment sessions, though some many require additional follow-up. With each treatment, I will closely monitor to ensure the progress is moving in the right direction.
When to seek help
If you’re experiencing repeated or ongoing vertigo, difficulty with balance, or uncertainty about the cause of your dizziness, it’s best to seek professional assessment. Vestibular physiotherapy can identify whether BPPV is the cause and provide effective, targeted treatment to speed up recovery.
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Yes, in some cases BPPV may resolve spontaneously without treatment. But the longer you experience vertigo, the more negative impact it has on your vestibular system, balance, and quality of life. Vestibular physiotherapy can provide faster relief and get you back to your life.
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BPPV is generally not a serious or life-threatening condition, but the sudden vertigo it causes can increase fall risk, especially in older adults. Vestibular physiotherapy addresses the underlying issue to reduce symptoms and improve balance safely.
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It can, but the good news is it’s very treatable. Vestibular physiotherapy can resolve symptoms quickly and teach you what to watch for, so you can get help early and avoid prolonged dizziness.