Condition
Vertigo & dizziness (BPPV) treatment in Goulburn.
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common inner-ear condition that causes short, sharp spells of spinning or dizziness triggered by moving your head — rolling over in bed, looking up, or bending down are typical triggers. It happens when small calcium crystals inside the inner ear shift out of place, sending incorrect signals about movement to the brain. Our Goulburn physiotherapists assess and treat BPPV, with an assessment, a diagnosis where possible, and a written plan from your first visit.
Signs & symptoms
What vertigo & dizziness (bppv) can feel like.
- Brief spells of spinning or whirling, usually lasting seconds to under a minute
- Triggered by specific head movementsrolling over in bed, tilting the head back, or bending forward
- Nausea, and sometimes vomiting, during an episode
- A feeling of unsteadiness or being off-balance between episodes
- Involuntary eye movements (nystagmus) during a spell, which we check for on assessment
- Light-headedness on standing up quicklythis feels different from the spinning of a BPPV spell, and is worth mentioning as it can point to a separate cause
- General unsteadiness when walking or turning the head while moving
- Typically no hearing loss, ear pain, or ringing in the ears alongside the dizziness
Common causes
What tends to bring it on.
- Small calcium carbonate crystals (otoconia) becoming dislodged within the semicircular canals of the inner ear
- Head injury or a knock to the head
- Increasing age — BPPV becomes more common from the 50s onward
- Prolonged time lying flat, such as after illness, surgery, or a hospital stay
- Inner-ear conditions, including prior viral infection affecting the vestibular system
- In many cases, no clear trigger is identified
Assessment starts with a history of when the dizziness happens, what triggers it, and any other symptoms, followed by positional testing (such as the Dix-Hallpike or supine roll test) to work out which ear and which inner-ear canal is involved. Part of this assessment is screening for signs that point to a different, less common cause of dizziness — including central or cardiovascular causes — so we know BPPV repositioning treatment is the appropriate next step before proceeding.
Where BPPV is confirmed, the main treatment is a canalith repositioning manoeuvre — a series of guided head and body movements, performed hands-on in the clinic, that aim to move the displaced crystals out of the affected canal. Which manoeuvre is used depends on which canal is involved. Some people also benefit from balance-retraining exercises if unsteadiness persists after the spinning settles.
The manoeuvre is often repeated over one or more visits, and we'll talk you through what to expect afterwards, including short-term unsteadiness as your balance system readjusts. BPPV can recur, so we'll also cover what to watch for and when to come back in for a review.
Your first appointment covers a history of your symptoms and triggers, a positional assessment to identify the type and side of BPPV, and a check for anything that doesn't fit the typical pattern. We'll talk through the findings, and if BPPV is confirmed, a repositioning manoeuvre may be attempted at that same visit, along with a written plan for follow-up. Many people notice a change within one to a few sessions, though this varies, and a review appointment is common to check whether the manoeuvre has worked or needs repeating.
Funding
Ways to pay.
Treatment for vertigo & dizziness (bppv) can be covered through any of these pathways, subject to eligibility and the right referral or plan.
- Medicare
- Private health
- WorkCover
- CTP
- DVA
- NDIS
Common questions
Questions we get asked a lot.
Do I need a scan or a GP referral before seeing a physiotherapist for dizziness?
No referral is needed to see one of our physiotherapists directly. BPPV is usually diagnosed clinically, through positional testing, rather than by scan. A scan or a GP review may still be recommended if your symptoms don't fit the typical BPPV pattern or if assessment points to another cause.
How many sessions does treatment for BPPV usually take?
Repositioning manoeuvres often bring a change within one to a few appointments, though this varies from person to person, and a review visit is common to confirm the manoeuvre has worked or to repeat it. BPPV can also return after successful treatment, which we'll discuss with you as part of your plan.
When should I seek urgent medical care instead of booking a physio appointment?
Dizziness alongside sudden severe headache, double vision, slurred speech, facial or limb weakness or numbness, difficulty walking, or dizziness that is constant rather than triggered by movement can point to a more serious cause and needs urgent medical assessment. In these situations, call 000 or attend an emergency department rather than waiting for a physiotherapy appointment.
Book an assessment for vertigo & dizziness (bppv) in Goulburn.
One appointment to get a clear diagnosis and a plan — assessment and first treatment in the same visit.
