What is Vertigo and BPPV?

Vertigo is a sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning, tilting or moving when there is no actual motion. BPPV is one of the most common causes of Vertigo. It happens when tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear move into the wrong part of the balance system, which can send confusing position signals to the brain.

Because of that, simple movements such as rolling in bed, bending over, looking up or turning the head can trigger sudden dizziness. Even though the symptoms can feel alarming, BPPV is often very identifiable once properly assessed.

Common symptoms of Vertigo and BPPV

Common symptoms may include:

• A spinning or tilting sensation
• Dizziness triggered by head movement
• Feeling unsteady or off-balance
• Nausea and, at times, vomiting
• Difficulty focusing when symptoms flare
• Feeling worse when rolling in bed, bending over or looking upward

These symptoms may come and go, which can make the problem feel confusing if you have not had it assessed before.

Why Vertigo can feel so disruptive

Dizziness often affects more than just balance. It can interfere with work, driving, exercise, sleep and general confidence with movement. Some people start avoiding head movements altogether because they are worried about triggering symptoms again.

That is why assessment matters. Understanding whether symptoms are consistent with BPPV or another type of dizziness helps guide what treatment is most appropriate.

How physiotherapy may help with Vertigo

Physiotherapy for Vertigo usually starts with a detailed assessment of your symptoms and movement triggers. If BPPV is identified, treatment often involves specific repositioning manoeuvres designed to guide the displaced inner ear crystals back to where they belong.

Depending on the presentation, care may also involve advice around activity, movement confidence and balance retraining. The aim is to reduce symptoms, improve confidence and help you return to normal movement more comfortably.

What to expect in a Vertigo physiotherapy session

A Vertigo assessment may include:

• A discussion about how and when symptoms occur
• Specific positional testing to assess whether BPPV is likely
• Assessment of balance, eye movement and symptom response
• Treatment planning based on the most likely source of dizziness

Some people notice improvement quickly, while others may need more than one session depending on how symptoms behave and how long they have been present.

When to seek help for dizziness or Vertigo

If dizziness is recurring, limiting your routine, affecting work or making you feel less confident with movement, it may be worth getting it assessed. Vertigo can be very unsettling, but a clear assessment often makes the problem feel far more manageable.

If you are also dealing with neck tension, it may be useful to explore our neck pain physiotherapy page. For broader symptom information, you can also visit our physiotherapy conditions in Perth hub.