A concussion can affect more than memory, concentration, and energy levels. Many people also experience dizziness, balance problems, and a feeling of unsteadiness during recovery. While these symptoms can happen because of changes in the brain’s balance system, some people develop another condition called BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo) after a concussion.
BPPV is a common inner ear condition that can cause sudden episodes of dizziness, especially when changing head positions. The good news is that proper assessment and BPPV Treatment can help many people reduce symptoms and improve their quality of life.
At Next Step Physio & Concussion Clinic, our physiotherapy team helps patients manage concussion-related dizziness, balance difficulties, and vestibular concerns through personalized rehabilitation programs.
What Is BPPV?
BPPV, or Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, occurs when tiny calcium crystals inside the inner ear become displaced and move into the semicircular canals. These canals help your body detect head movement and maintain balance.
When these crystals move incorrectly, your brain receives confusing signals about your head position, which can lead to dizziness or vertigo.
Common BPPV symptoms include:
- A spinning sensation when turning your head
- Dizziness when getting out of bed
- Feeling unsteady while walking
- Short episodes of vertigo lasting seconds to minutes
- Nausea during dizziness episodes
- Difficulty with quick head movements
BPPV can occur on its own, but it is also frequently seen after head injuries, including concussions.
How Can a Concussion Cause BPPV?
A concussion is a type of brain injury caused by a blow, bump, or sudden movement of the head. During the impact, the force may affect the inner ear and cause the small calcium crystals to become loose.
After a concussion, some people experience:
- Dizziness
- Motion sensitivity
- Balance issues
- Headaches
- Difficulty focusing
- Problems with coordination
When dizziness is caused by BPPV, symptoms are often triggered by specific movements such as rolling over in bed, looking upward, bending down, or turning the head quickly.
Identifying whether dizziness is caused by BPPV or another concussion-related issue is an important step toward effective treatment.
Why Proper BPPV Assessment Matters After a Concussion
Not all dizziness after a concussion has the same cause. Some symptoms may come from the brain’s processing systems, while others may involve the inner ear balance system.
A physiotherapy assessment can help determine:
- Whether BPPV is contributing to your symptoms
- Which inner ear canal may be affected
- What treatment approach is appropriate
- How balance and movement can be improved safely
At Next Step Physio & Concussion Clinic, our team evaluates your symptoms and creates a treatment plan based on your individual recovery needs.
How Does BPPV Treatment Work?
BPPV Treatment often involves specific repositioning techniques designed to move displaced crystals back into their correct location within the inner ear.
A physiotherapist trained in vestibular rehabilitation may use:
1. Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers
These gentle movements guide the crystals out of the affected area. The most commonly known technique is the Epley maneuver, which may help reduce positional dizziness for many patients.
2. Vestibular Rehabilitation Exercises
Some patients may benefit from Vestibular Rehabilitation Exercises to improve balance, coordination, and the brain’s ability to adapt to changes in movement signals.
Exercises may focus on:
- Balance training
- Eye and head coordination
- Walking stability
- Motion tolerance
- Confidence with daily activities
3. Balance Training
Balance exercises can help patients regain stability and reduce the fear of movement after experiencing repeated dizziness.
Benefits of Physiotherapy for BPPV After Concussion
Professional physiotherapy can help patients:
- Reduce dizziness and vertigo symptoms
- Improve balance and coordination
- Return to work and daily activities
- Increase confidence with movement
- Manage concussion-related challenges
A personalized approach is important because every concussion recovery experience is different.
When Should You Seek BPPV Treatment?
You should consider professional assessment if you experience:
- Dizziness that continues after a concussion
- Vertigo when changing positions
- Difficulty maintaining balance
- Feeling unsafe while walking
- Symptoms affecting work, sports, or daily activities
Early assessment can help identify the cause of symptoms and guide appropriate treatment.
Why Choose Next Step Physio & Concussion Clinic?
At Next Step Physio & Concussion Clinic, we provide specialized physiotherapy services for patients experiencing concussion symptoms, dizziness, and balance challenges. Our clinic offers vestibular physiotherapy, sports physiotherapy, motor vehicle accident physiotherapy, WCB physiotherapy, work injury rehabilitation, and pelvic floor physiotherapy. https://www.nextstepphysiotherapy.com/
Our goal is to help patients understand their symptoms, improve their movement, and safely return to the activities that matter most.
Frequently Asked Questions About BPPV Treatment After a Concussion
1. Can a concussion cause BPPV?
Yes. A concussion or head injury can sometimes cause the small calcium crystals in the inner ear to become displaced, leading to BPPV symptoms such as dizziness and positional vertigo.
2. How do I know if my dizziness is from BPPV or a concussion?
BPPV dizziness is often triggered by specific head movements, such as rolling over in bed or looking up. A physiotherapy assessment can help identify whether BPPV or another concussion-related factor is causing your symptoms.
3. Is BPPV Treatment painful?
Most BPPV treatments involve gentle repositioning movements. Some patients may experience temporary dizziness during treatment, but the techniques are designed to be safe and controlled.
4. How long does BPPV Treatment take?
Many people experience improvement after one or a few treatment sessions, but recovery time depends on the severity of symptoms and whether other concussion-related issues are present.
5. Can BPPV come back after treatment?
Yes, BPPV can return in some individuals. If symptoms come back, another assessment can help determine the best treatment approach.
6. Can physiotherapy help with dizziness after a concussion?
Yes. Vestibular physiotherapy can help address dizziness, balance problems, motion sensitivity, and other challenges related to the vestibular system after a concussion.
7. Should I avoid movement if I have BPPV?
Avoiding all movement may not always be helpful. A physiotherapist can guide you with safe exercises and activities based on your symptoms and recovery stage.
Conclusion
Dizziness and balance problems after a concussion can be frustrating, but identifying the correct cause is an important part of recovery. If BPPV is contributing to your symptoms, targeted BPPV Treatment and vestibular rehabilitation may help you regain balance and confidence.
If you are experiencing dizziness, vertigo, or balance issues after a concussion, Next Step Physio & Concussion Clinic can provide personalized physiotherapy support to help you move forward with your recovery.
