BPPV Treatment: Why You Get Dizzy When Turning Your Head (And How to Fix It)
- Ben Proctor
- Feb 13
- 2 min read
What is BPPV?
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is the most common cause of positional dizziness. It occurs when tiny calcium carbonate crystals inside your inner ear become dislodged and move into the semicircular canals.
Why this causes spinning
Your inner ear is your motion sensor. When crystals move where they shouldn’t, they send false signals to the brain, making you feel like the room is spinning even though you’re still.
Symptoms of BPPV
Brief spinning episodes (seconds)
Triggered by:
Rolling in bed
Looking up
Bending down
Nausea
Loss of balance
Key diagnostic clue: dizziness only happens with head movement.
How BPPV is Diagnosed
Clinicians perform positional tests such as the Dix-Hallpike test, recommended in guidance from
NICE. The clinician looks for characteristic eye movements called nystagmus.
Treatment for BPPV
1. Epley Manoeuvre (Most Effective Treatment)
A repositioning technique that guides crystals back to where they belong.
Success rate ≈ 80% within a few attempts
Often works immediately
2. Brandt-Daroff Exercises (Home Exercise Option)
Helpful if symptoms persist or recur.
How to do them
Sit upright in the middle of your bed
Turn your head 45 degrees to the opposite side of where you are going to lie down on
Lie quickly onto one side
Stay 30 seconds or until dizziness stops
Sit up
Repeat other side
Perform 5 reps on the each side twice daily.
A visual picture and explanation are also below:
Is BPPV Dangerous?
No. It’s uncomfortable but benign. However, it can increase fall risk, especially at night or when getting out of bed quickly.
When to Seek Medical Help
Urgent assessment if dizziness includes:
weakness
slurred speech
double vision
severe headache
These symptoms suggest something other than BPPV.
About Physio@Home
If you're finding recovery from injury, surgery, illness, or a fall more challenging than expected, professional support in the comfort of your own home can make all the difference. At Physio At Home, we specialise in expert home visit physiotherapy across Mid Cornwall — including Truro, Falmouth, Penryn, Helston, Perranporth, Feock, St Agnes, and surrounding areas. Our HCPC-registered and experienced physiotherapists provide personalised assessments, tailored rehabilitation plans, mobility and balance training, and practical advice to help you regain strength, confidence, and independence without the hassle of travelling to a clinic. Ready to move better and feel better right where you live? Visit https://www.physioathome.uk/
Comments