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Specialist in Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is a common cause of recurrent vertigo. Episodes are triggered by specific head movements and symptoms usually last less than a minute each time.
BPPV is caused when tiny calcium crystals dislodge from their normal location within the inner ear and get trapped in a canal where they should not be.
It is more common as we age, and can also occur after a head injury.
How is it Diagnosed?
BPPV is diagnosed by a ‘positional test’, e.g. the Dix Hallpike Test. In this test, you are laid down with your head turned to a specific position. If you have BPPV, then usually after a few seconds you develop vertigo and your eyes flicker (nystagmus) in a particular, characteristic way. This usually settles after 20-30 seconds.
How is it Treated?
The good news is that BPPV is a very treatable condition. Medication should NOT be taken. All that is required is a ‘Particle Repositioning Manoeuvre’, e.g. an Epley or Semont Manoeuvre. These only take a few minutes to complete.
I do not advise trying these Manoeuvres by yourself at home without proper guidance. The diagnosis, side of BPPV (right vs left), and particular canal where the ‘crystals’ are situated (posterior vs horizontal vs anterior) needs to be determined to know which specific Manoeuvre is most appropriate. If a Manoeuvre is done incorrectly then a simple ‘single canal’ BPPV can be converted to a ‘multi canal’ BPPV, which will give you worse symptoms and be harder to treat.
It is best to get the correct diagnosis and appropriate Manoeuvre performed by a Specialist.
Case Studies
Case 1: Mrs M was referred to my clinic with a history of ‘recurrent labyrinthitis’. For the past decade she had had clusters of intense brief spinning vertigo which could go on from several weeks to many months at a time. The current cluster had been there for 4 months and she had to stop her normal exercise. She had never had prolonged spinning dizziness with a single episode. On examination there was clear BPPV but the detailed examination was otherwise normal. I advised that she had not had previous labyrinthitis, which she was very reassured by, but had BPPV. I treated the BPPV with a Semont manoeuvre and the following day she was dizzy-free and returned to all her normal activities, for example going to the gym and doing Pilates. She came back to see me 18 months later with a recurrence. As she knew what the diagnosis was, she saw me within a few days and I again treated her symptoms with a single manoeuvre, allowing her to resume normal activities immediately.
Case 2: Mrs A was experiencing intense vertigo when turning in bed. She was diagnosed with BPPV by a local doctor and advised to try ‘a BPPV manoeuvre’ at home. She looked on YouTube and tried doing a manoeuvre but this only made it worse. She came to my clinic and on examination she had multi-canal BPPV, likely caused by an incorrectly performed home manoeuvre. I performed two different manoeuvres, to treat the calcium crystals in the two different canals, which completely resolved her symptoms, allowing her to return to her normal routines and activities.
Testimonials
What patients are saying
Dr Shaw took a lot of time to understand about my issue and explain it in all detail. After 1 appointment my dizziness is gone. I would highly recommend seeing him
I just need to take the time out to thank you for helping me back to a normal life. I have been suffering since 2009 until I met you last month (October 2024). I need you to know that you are blessed. Your work is immaculate, compassionate, caring, kind, considerate and understanding. You are what all doctors should be like. Please continue to do what you are doing, you were made for this job.
Thank you so much for diagnosing so accurately, and treating so efficiently and promptly, my disabling vertigo. I’m back to normal now and very grateful to you. Wish all other doctors were like you.
Private Referrals for BPPV
I provide comprehensive private medical consultations at the following locations:
The Harley Street Audiovestibular Clinic, 86 Harley Street, London, W1G 7HP
Centennial Medical Care, Centennial Park, Elstree, WD6 3FG
Wimbledon NeuroCare, Parkside Hospital, 53 Parkside, Wimbledon, SW19 5NX
To Request a Booking with Dr Shaw, Please Complete the Form Below.
Alternatively, please phone Emma Selby, Private Medical Secretary, for further information on 07835 961076
