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5. How is BPPV diagnosed?
• Normal medical imaging such as scans and X-rays, or medical laboratory testing
cannot confirm BPPV. Your healthcare provider or examiner will complete
simple bedside testing to help to confirm your diagnosis. The bedside testing
requires the examiner to move your head into a position that makes the crystal
move. The testing may include hanging your head a little off the edge of the
bed or rolling your head left and right while lying in bed. The examiner will be
watching you for a certain eye movement to confirm your diagnosis. The most
common tests are called either the Dix-Hallpike test or supine roll test.
6. Can BPPV be treated?
• Yes. Although medications are not used other than for relief of immediate
distress, such as nausea, most BPPV cases can be corrected with bedside
repositioning exercises that take only a few minutes to complete. They have
high success rates (around 80%) with only 1–3 treatments. These maneuvers
are designed to guide the crystals back to their original location in your inner
ear. They can be done at the same time the bedside testing for diagnosis is
being performed. You might be sent to a health professional (medical provider,
audiologist or physical therapist) who can perform these maneuvers, especially
if the following apply:
▶ You have severe disabling symptoms.
▶ You are a senior with history of past falls or fear of falling.
▶ You have difficulty moving around, such as joint stiffness (especially in your
neck and back) and/or weakness.
• You can also be taught to perform these maneuvers by yourself with supervision
which is called "self-repositioning."
7. Is there any down side to BPPV repositioning treatments?
• During the actual BPPV treatment there can be some brief distress from
vertigo, nausea, and feelings of disorientation such as you usually have with your
BPPV episodes. Following the treatment, some people report their symptoms
start to clear right away. Many times, others report that they have continuing
motion sickness-like symptoms and mild instability. These symptoms can take a
few hours or a few days to go away.
8. Can BPPV go away on its own?
• There is evidence that if BBPV is left untreated, it can go away within weeks.
However, remember that while the crystal is out of place, in addition to feeling
sick and sensitive to motion, your unsteadiness can increase your risk for falling.
You will need to take precautions not to fall. You are at a higher risk for injury
if you are a senior or have another balance issue. Seniors are encouraged to seek
professional help quickly to help resolve symptoms.
9. How do I know my BPPV has gone away?
• The strong spinning sensations that have been triggered by position changes
should be greatly reduced if not completely gone.
