REHAB SERVICES Q: My physical therapist treated me for BPPV. I have been feeling much better but am wondering, can the dizziness come back? Alyssa Robley, PT, DPT A: BPPV, also known as benign positional paroxysmal vertigo, occurs when the small crystals of calcium carbonate in our inner ear displace into another area within the balance canals. BPPV can commonly be triggered by changing positions such as lying down, rolling in bed, and looking up or down. Around 85% of patients who are treated by specific neck maneuvers completed by their physical therapist improve after treatment. Sometimes BPPV can return. Roughly one in three patients have a recurrence of BPPV in the three years after treatment. Your physical therapist can assess your symptoms and determine appropriate treatment. Physical therapists may instruct you on repositioning techniques at home. It is important that you do not try to correct BPPV without skilled therapy guidance as the improper home repositioning maneuvers can make your symptoms worse. Unfortunately, we do not know how to prevent BPPV. Medication is not a proven way to prevent BPPV. If you experience return of BPPV, you can contact your physical therapist who can work with you to improve your symptoms. Sanford offers many physical therapist who are skilled and trained in treating BPPV. Sanford physical therapists can also work with you for many other dizziness-related concerns and symptoms. Thank you for your question! Sanford Bemidji Rehab Services 1300 Anne Street NW Bemidji, MN 56601 (218) 333-5898 www.bemidji.sanfordhealth.org SANFORD" TM Bemidji REHAB SERVICES Q: My physical therapist treated me for BPPV. I have been feeling much better but am wondering, can the dizziness come back? Alyssa Robley, PT, DPT A: BPPV, also known as benign positional paroxysmal vertigo, occurs when the small crystals of calcium carbonate in our inner ear displace into another area within the balance canals. BPPV can commonly be triggered by changing positions such as lying down, rolling in bed, and looking up or down. Around 85% of patients who are treated by specific neck maneuvers completed by their physical therapist improve after treatment. Sometimes BPPV can return. Roughly one in three patients have a recurrence of BPPV in the three years after treatment. Your physical therapist can assess your symptoms and determine appropriate treatment. Physical therapists may instruct you on repositioning techniques at home. It is important that you do not try to correct BPPV without skilled therapy guidance as the improper home repositioning maneuvers can make your symptoms worse. Unfortunately, we do not know how to prevent BPPV. Medication is not a proven way to prevent BPPV. If you experience return of BPPV, you can contact your physical therapist who can work with you to improve your symptoms. Sanford offers many physical therapist who are skilled and trained in treating BPPV. Sanford physical therapists can also work with you for many other dizziness-related concerns and symptoms. Thank you for your question! Sanford Bemidji Rehab Services 1300 Anne Street NW Bemidji, MN 56601 (218) 333-5898 www.bemidji.sanfordhealth.org SANFORD" TM Bemidji