BPPV vs. Other Types of Dizziness

Is Your Dizziness Actually Vertigo?

Feeling dizzy can be unsettling, but not all dizziness is the same. One of the most common causes is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), but other conditions can produce similar symptoms.

Knowing the difference is important because the right treatment depends on the cause.

What Is BPPV?

BPPV occurs when tiny calcium crystals inside your inner ear become displaced and move into one of the balance canals. When you change the position of your head, these crystals send incorrect signals to your brain, creating the sensation that the room is spinning.

Common symptoms include:

• Brief episodes of spinning dizziness (usually less than 60 seconds)

• Symptoms when rolling over in bed

• Dizziness when looking up or bending over

• Nausea

• Feeling off balance after the spinning stops

Other Common Causes of Dizziness

Vestibular Neuritis

Often caused by a viral infection, this condition typically causes severe dizziness that can last for several days.

Ménière's Disease

Usually includes:

• Episodes of vertigo

• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)

• Hearing loss

• A feeling of fullness in one ear

Cervicogenic Dizziness

Neck stiffness or injury can sometimes contribute to dizziness, especially after whiplash or prolonged poor posture.

Blood Pressure or Medical Conditions

Lightheadedness when standing up, dehydration, medication side effects, or heart-related conditions can also cause dizziness and should be evaluated by your healthcare provider.

BPPV vs. Other Types of Dizziness

BPPV	Other Dizziness
Room spinning sensation	May feel lightheaded or unsteady
Triggered by head movement	May occur anytime
Usually lasts less than one minute	May last minutes, hours, or days
Often occurs when rolling in bed	May not depend on position
Usually no hearing loss	Some conditions include hearing changes

How Physical Therapy Can Help

Physical therapists specially trained in vestibular rehabilitation can determine the cause of your dizziness through a detailed examination.

For BPPV, treatment often involves:

• Canalith repositioning maneuvers (such as the Epley maneuver)

• Balance training

• Education on recovery

Many patients experience significant improvement after just one or two treatment sessions.

When Should You Seek Medical Attention?

Seek immediate medical care if your dizziness is accompanied by:

• Double vision

• Difficulty speaking

• Sudden weakness or numbness

• Severe headache

• Chest pain

• Loss of consciousness

These symptoms are not typical of BPPV and require urgent evaluation.

Dizziness Treatment in St. Joseph, Michigan

If you're experiencing dizziness or vertigo, don't guess what's causing it.

At Apex Physical Therapy & Wellness, our vestibular specialists perform comprehensive evaluations to determine whether your symptoms are due to BPPV or another condition. Once we identify the cause, we'll create a personalized treatment plan to help you regain your balance and confidence.

“If you’re dealing with dizziness, our physical therapy team in St. Joseph can help you find the cause and build a plan to get back to running.”