Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

A mild knock to the head can cause a type of dizziness known as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). This is caused by bit of grit becoming dislodged in the balance parts of the ear. The symptoms of BPPV are episodes of vertigo (feeling that things are spinning).

What Can I Do to Help Myself Get Better?

The treatment of BPPV consists of exercises that cause the dislodged bit of grit to shift from the balance parts of the ear. You can easily do these at home. The YouTube video below shows you how:

How do to it:

  • Sit down on your bed or couch with your feet on the ground.
  • Turn your head 45 degrees to the left and rapidly lie on your right side.
  • Wait until any vertigo subsides. Stay in this position for 30 seconds.
  • Sit up again for 30 seconds.
  • Turn your head 45 degrees to the right and rapidly lie on your left side.
  • Wait until any vertigo subsides. Stay in this position for 30 seconds.
  • Sit up again for 30 seconds.

Repeat this 5 times twice a day, until the vertigo has gone away.

Patients with vertigo often develop an aversion to moving their head. This is because head movement leads to vertigo. The trouble is, the more they avoid moving their head, the more likely it is that they will develop a stiff neck which in turn can lead to a sore head.