Get it checked at Bodyline Health, Lower Plenty
We see patients from across the Diamond Valley, including Eltham, Greensborough, Montmorency, Rosanna and Heidelberg. No referral needed, free parking, onsite X-ray when clinically indicated and HICAPS claiming on the spot.
BPPV treatment: a guide from the Bodyline Health team at 17 Main Road, Lower Plenty.
What is BPPV?
Deep inside each inner ear are tiny calcium crystals that help you sense gravity. Sometimes a few come loose and drift into one of the balance canals. When you move your head, they keep moving and send the brain a false message that you are spinning.
BPPV is the most common cause of positional vertigo. It is more common after 50, after a knock to the head and after an inner ear infection, but it can happen at any age. Our article positional vertigo (BPPV) explains the basics.
BPPV symptoms
- Short bursts of spinning, usually lasting less than a minute
- Triggered by specific head positions – rolling in bed, looking up, bending forward
- Nausea during an episode
- Feeling a little off-balance or “foggy” between episodes
How BPPV is assessed
We ask what triggers the dizziness, how long it lasts and whether you have other symptoms. We check your neck, balance and eye movements, then use positional tests that bring on the dizziness briefly so we can see which ear and canal are involved.
Because neck stiffness can also contribute to dizziness, we check the neck as well. See our dizziness and vertigo treatment page.
BPPV treatment
Repositioning manoeuvres
The most common BPPV treatment is a sequence of head and body positions, such as the Epley manoeuvre, that guide the crystals out of the canal. Each position is held for around 30 seconds to a minute.
What to expect afterwards
You may feel unsteady for a day or two. Many people need one to three sessions. Some are shown a home version to repeat if symptoms return.
Balance and neck care
Balance exercises help confidence, and treatment of any neck stiffness can reduce ongoing light-headedness.
Staying safe with positional vertigo
- Get up slowly – sit on the edge of the bed for a moment first
- Use a light at night and keep floors clear
- Avoid ladders and driving while episodes are frequent
Who at Bodyline Health can help with BPPV?
Because our practitioners work under one roof, your care can be shared between people who talk to each other.
- Dr Phillip Mifsud (Chiropractor): positional testing, repositioning manoeuvres and care for neck-related dizziness.
- Mary Fleming (Physiotherapist): balance and vestibular-style exercises to restore confidence.
When to seek urgent medical help
Call 000 if dizziness comes with sudden weakness or numbness on one side, facial drooping, trouble speaking, severe headache, double vision, chest pain or collapse. These are not signs of BPPV. In an emergency, call 000.
Further reading: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) (Better Health Channel); Vertigo (Healthdirect Australia).
Common questions
How quickly does BPPV treatment work?
Many people notice a big improvement after one or two sessions of repositioning manoeuvres.
Can BPPV come back?
Yes, it can recur. If it does, the same treatment usually works again.
Do I need a referral?
No. A referral is not needed for a standard appointment at Bodyline Health.
This article is general information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for individual medical advice. If you are unsure, see your GP or book an assessment.
