Is Your Vertigo BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo)? Top 3 Signs

February 5, 2026

If you’ve ever rolled over in bed or tipped your head forward or back and suddenly felt like the room was spinning, you’re not alone. One of the most common causes of vertigo is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) – a condition that can feel alarming but is often very treatable with the right care.

In this guide from Gordon Physical Therapy in Spokane Valley, WA, we’ll help you understand how to tell whether your dizziness may be caused by BPPV, what makes it different from other types of vertigo, and how vestibular therapy and physical therapy can help you recover.

What Is BPPV?

BPPV happens when tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear become displaced and move into the semicircular canals, which are responsible for sensing head motion and balance. When these crystals shift during certain head movements, they trigger a brief but intense spinning sensation known as vertigo.

Although the symptoms can feel scary, BPPV is one of the most treatable causes of vertigo when properly diagnosed.

The Top 3 Signs Your Vertigo May Be BPPV

Not all dizziness is the same. A key part of determining the right vertigo treatment is identifying whether symptoms match the typical BPPV pattern.

Here are three of the most common clues:

1. Positional Changes Trigger the Vertigo

BPPV symptoms are almost always brought on by specific head movements, such as:

• Rolling over in bed

• Looking up or down

• Bending forward

• Getting in or out of bed

If your dizziness consistently appears with these positional changes—and improves when you stay still—BPPV becomes much more likely.

2. The Vertigo Is Short but Intense

BPPV episodes are typically brief and intense, usually lasting 10–30 seconds.

This is an important distinction. Vertigo that lasts hours or days is usually caused by something other than BPPV and should be evaluated differently.

3. There Was a Recent Fall, Injury, or Sudden Movement

Many people notice BPPV symptoms beginning after:

• A recent fall

• A head bump or minor injury

• Sudden or unusual head movement

These events can dislodge the inner‑ear crystals that lead to BPPV symptoms.

How BPPV Is Diagnosed

A trained physical therapist or healthcare provider can confirm BPPV using positional testing, including:

• Dix‑Hallpike test (commonly used for posterior canal BPPV)

• Supine roll test (used for horizontal canal involvement)

During these tests, the clinician looks for a specific eye movement called nystagmus, which helps pinpoint the affected ear and guides the correct treatment approach.

Accurate diagnosis is essential because different inner‑ear canals require different treatment maneuvers.

Effective Vertigo Treatment for BPPV

The good news is that BPPV often improves quickly with canalith repositioning maneuvers performed by a trained physical therapist.

Common treatments include:

• Epley maneuver for posterior canal BPPV

• Gufoni or roll maneuvers for horizontal canal BPPV

These gentle, guided movements help return the displaced crystals to their proper location in the inner ear, often providing rapid relief.

When Vestibular Therapy Helps

Some people continue to feel mild dizziness, imbalance, or motion sensitivity even after BPPV is treated. In these cases, vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) can help by:

• Improving balance and walking stability

• Reducing motion sensitivity

• Training the brain to adapt to inner‑ear changes

• Restoring confidence with daily movement

This specialized form of vestibular physical therapy is highly effective for persistent dizziness and fall prevention.

Vertigo Treatment in Spokane Valley, WA

At Gordon Physical Therapy, we specialize in evaluating and treating dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders. Our Spokane Valley clinic provides:

• Accurate assessment to determine if symptoms are truly BPPV

• Evidence‑based vertigo treatment maneuvers

• Personalized vestibular therapy programs

• Support to reduce fall risk and restore confidence

If you’re experiencing spinning sensations, imbalance, or dizziness with head movement, expert care can make a meaningful difference.

Take the Next Step Toward Relief

Vertigo can be frustrating, but when it’s caused by BPPV, effective treatment is often simple and fast. Knowing the key signs (positional triggers, brief intense spinning, and recent injury or fall) can help you decide when to seek care.

If you’re in Spokane Valley, WA and wondering whether your symptoms are BPPV, our team of physical therapists at Gordon Physical Therapy is here to help you feel steady, safe, and confident again.

Call or text us today to schedule an evaluation and start your path to a full recovery!

Frequently Asked Questions About BPPV & Vertigo

How can I tell if my vertigo is BPPV or something else?

BPPV is most likely when vertigo is triggered by specific head movements, feels like intense spinning, and lasts only 10–30 seconds. Vertigo that lasts for hours, occurs without movement, or includes other neurological symptoms should be evaluated by a medical professional.

How long do BPPV vertigo episodes last?

Individual spinning episodes from BPPV are usually brief—typically under one minute. However, the condition itself can persist for days or weeks until the inner‑ear crystals are properly repositioned.

Can BPPV go away on its own?

Yes, BPPV sometimes resolves naturally as the displaced crystals settle. However, symptoms may continue or return. Canalith repositioning maneuvers performed by a trained physical therapist often provide faster and more reliable relief.

What is the fastest treatment for BPPV?

The most effective treatment is usually a repositioning maneuver such as the Epley maneuver or Gufoni maneuver, depending on which inner‑ear canal is involved. Many people experience significant improvement in just one or two treatment sessions.

Can physical therapy fix vertigo?

Yes. Vestibular physical therapy is highly effective for treating BPPV and other balance disorders. Treatment may include repositioning maneuvers, balance training, gaze stabilization exercises, and movement strategies to reduce dizziness and fall risk.

Do I need imaging or medication for BPPV?

Most cases of BPPV do not require imaging or medication. Diagnosis is typically made through positional testing, and treatment involves guided head and body movements rather than drugs or surgery.

Where can I get vertigo treatment in Spokane Valley, WA?

Gordon Physical Therapy in Spokane Valley provides expert evaluation and treatment for BPPV, dizziness, and balance problems. If vertigo is affecting your daily life, scheduling a vestibular assessment is the best next step toward safe, effective relief.

Call or text us today to get started!