Vestibular/BPPV
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is a common yet not well known vestibular disorder caused by calcium carbonate crystals (otoconia) freely floating in fluid in the semi-circular canals within the inner ear. Changing positions of the head will cause momentary but intense vertigo.
What does it feel like?
Like the room is spinning intensely although you are not moving at all. The spinning sensation usually lasts 30 seconds to 1-2 minutes in duration after you've moved your head or body.
How is it evaluated & treated?
The sooner you are seen by a vestibular physical therapist the greater the chance that treatment will be straightforward and swift. The longer one waits, the more likely the otoconia affects more than one area of the vestibular system, thus causing a more complex diagnosis. Dr. Barberich, PT will do a full evaluation and assessment of your vestibular & balance systems. If it is determined that you have BPPV treatment is usually only 1-3+ sessions. It is a simple albeit slightly uncomfortable treatment. There is a saying in vestibular therapy: "In order to make you better, we first have to make you dizzy"; and so, many apologies in advance but luckily there IS a non-surgical and drug free solution to BPPV!
Other vestibular & balance disorders
There are numerous diagnoses that can cause dizziness or imbalance. At the moment, Dr. Barberich is only seeing BPPV patients. Please click below on free 20 min consultation to see if Dr. Barberich can help you!