BPPV Explained: What to Do When Your World Spins

Have you ever rolled over in bed or looked up at a shelf—and suddenly, the room felt like it was spinning? If so, you may have experienced Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, or BPPV, one of the most common causes of vertigo.

At Healing Arts Physical Therapy in Yuba City, we help patients regain their balance and confidence using evidence-based techniques like the Epley maneuver, a proven treatment for BPPV.

Let’s break down what this condition is—and how we can help.

🔍 What Is BPPV?

BPPV stands for:

• Benign – it’s not life-threatening

• Paroxysmal – symptoms come on suddenly

• Positional – triggered by head position changes

• Vertigo – the sensation that you or your environment is spinning

It occurs when tiny calcium crystals (called otoconia) become dislodged and move into the semicircular canals of the inner ear, where they disrupt balance signals sent to your brain.

⚠️ Common Symptoms of BPPV

• Brief episodes of dizziness or vertigo (usually lasting seconds to a minute)

• Nausea or a queasy stomach after certain movements

• Feeling off balance, especially when turning in bed or tilting your head

• Nystagmus – rapid eye movements during an episode

These symptoms are typically position-dependent, meaning they happen with specific head movements.

🧠 Why Does BPPV Happen?

It can be idiopathic (no clear cause), but common triggers include:

• Head trauma or concussion

• Inner ear infections

• Prolonged bed rest or inactivity

• Aging (more common in those over 50)

• 
  

✅ How Is BPPV Treated?

The good news? BPPV is highly treatable—often in just 1–2 sessions—with a simple technique known as the Epley maneuver.

💡 What Is the Epley Maneuver?

The Epley maneuver is a series of guided head and body movements that reposition the dislodged crystals back into their proper location within the inner ear. It helps restore proper balance function and stop the vertigo.

At Healing Arts PT, our licensed physical therapists perform this maneuver with precision, using:

• Observation of eye movements to confirm BPPV (Dix–Hallpike test)

• Specific techniques depending on which ear and canal is affected

• Patient education on how to avoid future episodes

⏱️ How Long Does It Take to Feel Better?

Many people feel significantly better immediately or within 24–48 hours of treatment. In some cases, a second visit may be needed. We also provide vestibular exercises to help retrain the brain and reduce sensitivity to motion.

📍 Vestibular Therapy in Yuba City

At Healing Arts Physical Therapy, we provide expert vestibular rehab for:

• BPPV

• Post-concussion dizziness

• Balance loss from inner ear dysfunction

• Neurological causes of vertigo

Our clinic offers same-day evaluations and one-on-one treatment with trained PTs.

📞 Don’t Let the Room Keep Spinning

If you’re experiencing dizziness or balance issues, let us help.Call (530) 329‑8490 to schedule your vestibular evaluation today.