Understanding BPPV: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options in Chennai
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, or BPPV, is one of the most common causes of vertigo, especially among middle-aged and older adults. While often considered a “simple” vestibular disorder, it can significantly disrupt a person’s quality of life. Chennai, being a hub for ENT and audiological care, offers several advanced treatment options for BPPV. In this in-depth guide, we explore BPPV causes, symptoms, and treatment options in Chennai, using the most current research and expert clinical approaches.
This comprehensive resource is designed for both patients and caregivers who are seeking specialized care in Chennai for vertigo disorders.
What Is BPPV?
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is a disorder of the inner ear that causes sudden episodes of dizziness and a spinning sensation (vertigo) triggered by changes in the position of your head.
The condition is called:
- Benign because it is not life-threatening,
- Paroxysmal because it comes in sudden, brief spells,
- Positional because it is triggered by changes in head position,
- Vertigo because it involves a false sense of spinning.
BPPV results from displaced calcium carbonate crystals (otoconia) that move into the semicircular canals of the inner ear, which are responsible for balance. When these crystals shift, they disrupt the flow of fluid in the ear and send false signals to the brain, leading to vertigo.
How Common is BPPV in Chennai?
BPPV accounts for about 20-30% of all vertigo cases seen in audiology and ENT clinics in Chennai. As the population ages, and as awareness around vestibular disorders increases, more patients are seeking professional help for vertigo and dizziness. Clinics like Eljay Hearing Centre are increasingly incorporating vestibular diagnostics as part of their holistic hearing and balance assessments. Read more to understand what is
Causes of BPPV
The most common causes of BPPV include:
1. Age-related degeneration
As we age, the otoconia in the utricle become more likely to detach and enter the semicircular canals.
2. Head trauma
Even minor head injuries can lead to dislodged crystals in the inner ear.
3. Inner ear disorders
Labyrinthitis or vestibular neuritis can sometimes precede or trigger BPPV.
4. Post-surgical trauma
Dental or ear surgeries can inadvertently lead to positional vertigo.
5. Idiopathic causes
In many cases, especially in older adults, no specific cause can be found. This is termed idiopathic BPPV.
Symptoms of BPPV
The hallmark symptom of BPPV is brief but intense vertigo brought on by certain head movements. These symptoms include:
- A sensation of spinning or whirling (vertigo)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Light-headedness
- Imbalance or unsteadiness
- Blurred vision during episodes
- Symptoms triggered by rolling over in bed, tilting the head back, or looking up
It’s important to differentiate BPPV from other conditions like Meniere’s disease or acoustic neuroma. Proper diagnosis by a qualified audiologist or ENT specialist in Chennai is essential.
Diagnosing BPPV in Chennai
Diagnosis usually involves a detailed patient history and a positional test such as the Dix-Hallpike maneuver, which can reproduce vertigo and confirm the diagnosis.
Advanced Vestibular Diagnostics Available in Chennai:
- Videonystagmography (VNG)
- Rotational Chair Testing
- Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials (VEMP)
- Computerized Dynamic Posturography
At Eljay Hearing Centre, patients have access to comprehensive vestibular evaluations performed by experienced audiologists trained in balance diagnostics and BPPV management.
Types of BPPV
There are different variants of BPPV depending on the canal affected:
1. Posterior Canal BPPV
This is the most common form and is typically triggered by tilting the head backward.
2. Horizontal Canal BPPV
More rare but often causes intense vertigo when turning in bed.
3. Anterior Canal BPPV
The least common and more difficult to diagnose.
Understanding the specific type of BPPV is crucial in choosing the correct repositioning maneuver.
BPPV Treatment Options in Chennai
Thankfully, BPPV is highly treatable. The mainstay of treatment is a series of repositioning maneuvers designed to move the dislodged crystals back to their correct location in the utricle.
1. Canalith Repositioning Procedures (CRP)
The Epley maneuver is the most commonly used CRP for posterior canal BPPV. It involves a sequence of head and body movements guided by a trained specialist.
Other maneuvers include:
- Semont Maneuver
- Gufoni Maneuver
- Lempert (Barbecue Roll) Maneuver for horizontal canal BPPV
Clinics like Eljay Hearing Centre in Chennai locations including Purasawalkam, Velachery, Adyar, and Tambaram, have professionals trained in these repositioning therapies.
2. Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)
For persistent or recurrent BPPV, vestibular rehab is recommended. VRT includes:
- Balance training
- Gaze stabilization
- Habituation exercises
VRT can be particularly helpful for elderly patients in Chennai who have developed anxiety or a fear of falling due to vertigo episodes.
3. Surgical Options
Very rarely, when BPPV does not respond to conservative treatment, surgical procedures like posterior canal occlusion may be considered.
BPPV Treatment in Chennai: What to Expect
At a specialized clinic like Eljay Hearing Centre, patients go through a structured process:
- Initial Consultation and History Taking
- Vestibular and Hearing Evaluation
- Diagnosis and Canal Identification
- Repositioning Maneuvers or VRT
- Follow-up Appointments
Many patients report instant relief after the first treatment session, although some may need multiple visits.
Book your consultation online at appointment.eljayhearing.com
Recurrence and Long-Term Outlook
BPPV can recur in about 15-20% of patients annually, especially in those over 60. Preventive strategies include:
- Avoiding sudden head movements
- Sleeping with your head slightly elevated
- Vestibular rehabilitation follow-ups
If BPPV keeps recurring, it might be a sign of an underlying issue that needs further evaluation.
Choosing the Right BPPV Specialist in Chennai
With 48+ years of legacy, Eljay Hearing Centre is one of Chennai’s most trusted names in vestibular and auditory care. Whether you’re in Alwarpet, Nanganallur, or Ambattur, you’ll find an experienced audiologist near you.
Why Choose Eljay?
- Expertise in BPPV, tinnitus, and hearing loss
- 8 accessible locations across Chennai
- Authorised provider for leading hearing aid brands
- State-of-the-art vestibular diagnostic equipment
- Customized patient care and rehabilitation
Final Thoughts
Understanding BPPV isn’t just about treating dizziness—it’s about restoring confidence, mobility, and quality of life. If you or a loved one is experiencing unexplained vertigo, know that BPPV is manageable and treatable with the right care.
Don’t let positional vertigo limit your daily life. Take control of your balance and well-being by visiting a certified vestibular specialist in Chennai.
Schedule your visit today:
👉 appointment.eljayhearing.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is BPPV a serious condition?
While not life-threatening, BPPV can severely impact quality of life and increase fall risk, especially in older adults.
Q: Can BPPV resolve on its own?
Yes, but episodes can recur. Professional treatment reduces symptom duration and recurrence.
Q: Can hearing loss occur with BPPV?
Typically no, but in some cases of inner ear trauma or associated conditions, temporary hearing loss can occur.
Q: Is MRI required for BPPV diagnosis?
Usually not. BPPV is diagnosed clinically, but imaging may be required to rule out central causes if symptoms are atypical.