Vertigo is a common layman’s term used to describe dizziness or feeling unbalanced and may at times be used incorrectly to describe symptoms. When correctly diagnosed, there is a specific therapy that a correctly trained physiotherapist can provide. Research shows that this therapy can have a success rate of over 90%, and can be achieved in a small number of sessions.

Here is a brief background to help you understand how it works.
Vertigo (BPPV) can present in a number of very different symptoms such as:
- Migraine
- Inner ear infections
- Motion sickness
- Ringing in the ears
- Sweating
- Loss of balance
- Nausea
- Hearing loss
- Others

“True Vertigo” or BPPV
True vertigo is known as “Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo” (BPPV) and is a common cause of vertigo (which is the sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning). It occurs when tiny calcium carbonate crystals (otoconia) in the inner ear become dislodged and move into the semicircular canals as shown in the diagram below.
This movement of these tiny crystals disrupts the normal fluid motion in these canals, sending false signals to the brain and causing vertigo. It convinces your brain that you are spinning.

A common symptom or complaint is that spinning dizziness onsets when a person is laying down and rolls over in bed or when a person goes from standing to laying down. Sometimes the symptoms will be worse when turning towards one side of the body and will typically last between 30 secs to 2 minutes. Vertigo also becomes more common as we age with highest prevalence occurring in the 6th to 8th decades of life.
BPPV can cause significant discomfort and affect your ability to enjoy life. It can be effectively treated with specific head manoeuvres performed by a trained Physiotherapist.

Physiotherapist Shaun Van Der Merwe has undertaken additional clinical training in assessing and treating BPPV and is able to assist you with your acute symptoms in Townsville, or onward referral to specialist vestibular rehabilitation services if needed.
Should you be concerned of vertigo type symptoms please don’t hesitate to make contact with Physio on Ross on 47282116 or email [email protected] to discuss or organise an assessment.