Balanced Care: How Audiology and Physical Therapy Team Up to Tackle BPPV

What is BPPV?

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is a common cause of vertigo, where individuals experience a sensation of movement or rotation even while stationary. This vertigo is often triggered by rapid head or body movements, such as rolling in or out of bed or looking up or down.

Your inner ear is important for both hearing and balance as it houses the vestibular system, which includes the semicircular canals and otolith organs. The semicircular canals and otolith organs are essential for maintaining balance and spatial awareness by detecting movements and shifts in head position. BPPV is caused when salt-like calcium carbonate crystals (otoliths) in the inner ear's utricle become dislodged and either float into or attach to the semicircular canals, resulting in vertigo symptoms.

While BPPV is benign and not life-threatening, it can significantly impact a person’s well-being, causing discomfort and nausea, increasing the risk of falls, and disrupting daily routines. Frequent vertigo and its functional limitations can also lead to anxiety and depression, further affecting quality of life.

How do we diagnose BPPV?

Audiologists are essential in diagnosing BPPV. Specialized tests such as Videonystagmography (VNG), Dix-Hallpike, and Supine Head Roll can elicit involuntary eye movements called nystagmus to diagnose BPPV in either one or both ears.

How do we treat BPPV?

Physical therapists are crucial in the treatment of BPPV. Repositioning maneuvers such as the Epley or Semont maneuver involve specific head and body movements to reposition the salt-like calcium carbonate crystals back to the proper location in the inner ear. Additionally, vestibular rehabilitation helps "retrain the brain" to improve balance and reduce dizziness and vertigo symptoms.

A Collaborative Effort

At East Coast Audiology and Physical Therapy, our audiologists and physical therapists are certified though Fyzical and The American Institute of Balance to offer expert assessment and treatment of BPPV. Our emphasis on continuation of care ensures a seamless and integrated approach, enhancing both diagnostic accuracy and treatment effectiveness.