BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo) is a common cause of sudden spinning dizziness triggered by head movements such as turning in bed, looking up, or bending forward. It occurs when tiny inner-ear crystals move into the wrong balance canal and disrupt normal signals. BPPV is highly treatable, and many people improve significantly after 1–3 sessions using targeted repositioning manoeuvres.
In Short:
BPPV typically causes brief, intense spinning vertigo that is triggered by specific positions.
Common BPPV symptoms:
• Spinning vertigo lasting seconds to a minute
• Dizziness when rolling over in bed
• Dizziness when looking up
• Dizziness when bending forward
• Nausea (sometimes)
• Feeling slightly off-balance afterwards
Often described as
• “The room spins”
• “It hits me when I roll onto my right/left”
• “It’s worst first thing in the morning”
If you’re unsure whether it’s BPPV or another cause of dizziness, an assessment confirms it quickly.
This is one of the most classic signs of BPPV. Rolling onto the affected side can shift the crystals and trigger a short burst of vertigo.Tip: If your dizziness is repeatable with the same movement, BPPV becomes more likely — but testing is needed to confirm the canal involved.
BPPV is diagnosed using a combination of:
• Your symptom history
• Specific positional tests
• Observation of eye movements (nystagmus)
1) Detailed history Triggers, time course, nausea, headaches, hearing symptoms, prior episodes.
2) Vestibular assessment Positional tests and screening to confirm BPPV and identify the canal involved.
3) Treatment (if appropriate) If BPPV is confirmed, it can often be treated on the same day.
Outcome: You leave knowing what’s causing the vertigo and what to do next.
BPPV is treated using specific repositioning manoeuvres designed to guide the crystals out of the canal.
You may have heard of
• The Epley manoeuvre
• The Semont manoeuvre
• The BBQ roll (for horizontal canal BPPV)
• The Li manoeuvre
🚨 Not all BPPV is treated the same way.
The correct manoeuvre depends on which canal is affected — which is why assessment matters.
Many people notice improvement:
• immediately, or within 24–72 hours
• after 1 session
• sometimes after 2–3 sessions if symptoms are stubborn or recurring
Most straightforward BPPV cases improve within 1–3 sessions.
You may need extra support if:
• symptoms have been present for weeks/months
• you’ve started avoiding movement
• there are multiple contributors (e.g. migraine / PPPD patterns)
It’s common to feel briefly dizzy during manoeuvres, and mildly off afterwards. This usually settles quickly and we guide you through what to expect.
Seek urgent medical assessment if dizziness comes with:
• facial droop or weakness
• speech problems or confusion
• sudden numbness
• severe sudden headache
• chest pain, collapse or fainting
• sudden hearing loss
• new double vision
If your dizziness is triggered by rolling in bed, looking up, or bending down, BPPV is a likely cause — and it’s often treatable quickly.
✅ In-person vestibular assessment
✅ Clear diagnosis
✅ Targeted treatment
✅ Plan you can trust
Usually it isn’t dangerous, but it can be very disruptive and increases fall risk for some people.
Sometimes, but it may persist or recur. Proper assessment and treatment is often the fastest solution.
Yes — recurrence is common, but repeat treatment is typically effective.
A repositioning manoeuvre commonly used for posterior canal BPPV.
It depends on which canal is involved. Doing the wrong manoeuvre can waste time or flare symptoms, so assessment first is best.
Yes, nausea is common due to the spinning sensation.
If you are having sudden spinning episodes, driving may be unsafe. We can advise based on your triggers.
Most people can return to normal activity. We’ll guide you if any temporary precautions are needed.
Monday: 08:00 - 20:00
Tuesday: 08:00 - 20:00
Wednesday: 08:00 - 20:00
Thursday: 08:00 - 20:00
Friday: 08:00 - 16:00
