If you’ve ever rolled over in bed and the room suddenly started spinning, you may have experienced Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) – one of the most common and treatable causes of dizziness.

The reassuring part? With the right diagnosis and treatment, BPPV can often be resolved quickly, sometimes in just one or two sessions.

What is BPPV (and why does it feel so intense)?

BPPV happens when tiny calcium crystals in your inner ear become dislodged and move into the wrong part of the balance system. This can cause:

• Sudden spinning (vertigo) with head movement
• Dizziness when turning in bed or looking up
• Brief but intense episodes (often seconds)
• Nausea or unsteadiness afterwards

Although it feels quite scary and uncomfortable, BPPV is not dangerous, but it can significantly affect your confidence, impact your daily life and increase your risk of falling over if left untreated.

What does the latest research say about treating BPPV?

Recent research published in JAMA Network reinforces what we see in the goPhysio clinic every day:

• BPPV is frequently underdiagnosed or mismanaged, meaning people often live with symptoms longer than necessary
• The Epley manoeuvre (a repositioning treatment) is highly effective and should be a first-line treatment
• Many patients are still being given medication instead of simple, targeted physical treatment
• Early, correct treatment leads to faster resolution and reduced recurrence

This aligns with wider evidence showing that vestibular rehabilitation and repositioning techniques are key to recovery, rather than rest or medication alone.

This image from JAMA clearly shows what causes BPPV.

What is the Epley manoeuvre?

The Epley manoeuvre is a specific series of guided head movements designed to move the displaced crystals back into the correct part of the inner ear. It’s:

• Quick (often completed in a few minutes)
• Non-invasive
• Highly effective for the most common type of BPPV

In many cases, people feel immediate improvement, although some need follow-up treatment.

Why you shouldn’t just “wait it out”

You might go and see your GP or talk to friends, where it’s common to hear advice like:

• “It’ll pass on its own”
• “Just rest and avoid movement”

But research and clinical experience suggest otherwise:

• Symptoms can persist or recur without treatment
• Avoiding movement can slow recovery
• Incorrect advice (or medication alone) may delay resolution

The key is accurate diagnosis followed by targeted treatment

What is vestibular rehabilitation?

Not all dizziness is BPPV, and even when it is, some people need additional support. Vestibular rehabilitation is a specialised approach that helps your brain and balance system adapt. It may include:

• Balance retraining
• Eye and head movement exercises
• Habituation (reducing sensitivity to movement)
• Confidence-building and fall prevention

This is especially important if:

• Symptoms have been ongoing
• You feel unsteady between episodes
• You’ve had multiple recurrences

Where can I get treatment for BPPV in Chandlers Ford?

If you’re in Chandlers Ford, Eastleigh, or nearby areas, you can access specialist assessment and treatment locally. At goPhysio, dizziness and vertigo are managed using a structured, evidence-based approach:

• Detailed assessment to confirm BPPV (or rule out other causes)
• Immediate treatment with repositioning manoeuvres (like Epley)
• Follow-up care if needed
• Vestibular rehabilitation for ongoing symptoms
• Clear explanation and reassurance throughout

When should you seek help?

You should get help if you have:

• Spinning when turning in bed
• Dizziness when looking up or bending down
• Recurrent episodes of vertigo
• Ongoing imbalance or fear of falling
• Or simply if something doesn’t feel right

The key takeaway

If you’re experiencing vertigo:

• It may be BPPV – a common and treatable condition
• The Epley manoeuvre is highly effective when done correctly
• Early treatment can resolve symptoms quickly
• You don’t need to “just live with it”

Here’s a quick video that demonstrates what we might do at goPhysio to assess and treat BPPV with the Epley.

BPPV & Epley FAQs

How do I know if I have BPPV? If your dizziness is triggered by head movement (especially rolling in bed), it could be BPPV, but assessment is needed to confirm.

Does the Epley manoeuvre work straight away? Often yes, but some people need more than one session.

Can BPPV come back? Yes, but it can be treated again quickly if it does.

Do I need a GP referral? No – you can book directly with a physiotherapist trained in vestibular care and the Epley. At goPhysio in Chandlers Ford, we have a number of people who are specifically trained to help you if you have BPPV and aim to offer appointments within 24 hours.

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