Canalith Repositioning for BPPV Treatment in Lee’s Summit, MO

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is usually affected by head movements or a change in a head position, such as looking up, turning your head, bending over or rolling in bed. While vertigo by BPPV can be annoying, it is very well-treatable. However, vertigo can be dangerous due to fall risks, difficulty driving and difficulty performing daily activity and work duty.

In the case of BPPV, small calcium crystals rocks (otoconia) that are supposed to remain in the otolith organs (a structure in the saccule or utricle of the inner ear) enter the semicircular canal located in the inner ear. These dislodged crystals cause the brain to receive conflicted messages about your body’s position. While vertigo can occur idiopathically (unknown cause), it is very common in individuals who have suffered from a head injury, such as concussion, fall accidents and motor vehicle accident, as well as other medical conditions, including high blood pressure, low blood pressure, cardiac issue, diabetes, TIA (transient ischemic attack), migraine, impaired calcium metabolism, Vitamin D deficiency and post-menopause.

Among many ways to treat vertigo, physical therapy has been considered one of the most successful forms of treatment for vertigo caused by BPPV. Our physical therapist can help you manage your symptoms and improve your balance during BPPV treatments, such as through repositioning of canalithiasis (dislodge of crystal rocks floating in the inner ear) and repositioning of cupulolithiasis (dislodged crystal rocks stuck in the inner ear).

The hallmark symptom of BPPV is a sudden, intense sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning. This dizzy sensation is usually brief—lasting less than a minute—and is triggered by specific head movements, like rolling over in bed. Along with vertigo, you may also experience lightheadedness, a persistent loss of balance, unsteadiness, nausea, or involuntary eye movements (nystagmus).

Dizziness can stem from many different medical issues, a precise diagnosis is essential. A physical therapist will perform specialized positional tests, such as the Dix-Hallpike maneuver, which involves safely moving your head and body while monitoring your eyes for specific involuntary movements. This allows the therapist to pinpoint exactly which ear and which specific semicircular canal the calcium crystals are trapped in.

At Prime Physical Therapy, Dr. Kyo Hwang utilizes specialized vestibular rehabilitation techniques to provide rapid and effective relief for vertigo. Rather than relying on medication that only masks the symptoms, we use proven, hands-on techniques like the Epley maneuver to physically guide the displaced crystals back into their proper chamber. Beyond resolving the immediate spinning sensation, we also provide targeted balance retraining exercises to reduce your fall risk and restore your daily independence.

Please request an appointment or consultation at Prime Physical Therapy to learn more about or start your session. We are conveniently located at 1161 NE Rice Rd Lee’s Summit, MO 64086. We serve patients from Lee’s Summit MO, Greenwood MO, Blue spring MO, Lake Lotawana MO, Raytown MO, and surrounding areas!