BPPV vertigo treatment in Reno, NV at Gates Brain Health

BPPV Treatment in Reno, NV — Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

If you or a loved one experiences sudden spinning sensations triggered by head movements, Gates Brain Health can help. Call (775) 507-2000 today to schedule your evaluation with Dr. Randall Gates, Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist.

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Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is one of the most common causes of vertigo and dizziness, affecting millions of people each year. Vertigo is described as the sudden, intense sensation that you or the world around you is spinning — and for those with BPPV, this sensation is triggered by specific changes in head position.

BPPV occurs when calcium carbonate crystals (otoconia) in the inner ear become dislodged and migrate into the semicircular canals, where they don’t belong. When the head moves, these crystals send false motion signals to the brain, triggering a spinning sensation that can last seconds, minutes, hours, or even days depending on the severity and type of BPPV.

What Triggers BPPV?

BPPV is most commonly triggered by:

  • Rolling over in bed at night
  • Tipping the head up or down (e.g., looking up at a shelf or down at the floor)
  • Lying down or sitting up quickly
  • Any sudden change in head position

Symptoms of BPPV may include:

  • Dizziness or a sense that surroundings are spinning or moving (vertigo)
  • Loss of balance or unsteadiness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

Importantly, BPPV symptoms can come and go. It is not uncommon for patients to experience periods of remission lasting weeks or months, followed by recurrence.

Why BPPV Keeps Coming Back

Many patients receive treatment for acute BPPV — such as the Epley maneuver — and get temporary relief, only to have symptoms return. This is because the inner ear problem itself is only part of the picture. At Gates Brain Health, Dr. Gates evaluates not just the inner ear mechanics but also how the brain is processing vestibular signals. If the brain isn’t adapting properly to inner ear changes, chronic or recurrent BPPV becomes far more likely.

Using in-office videonystagmography (VNG) — computerized eye movement and caloric testing — Dr. Gates assesses the full vestibular-neurological picture. This allows him to develop a targeted rehabilitation plan that addresses both the inner ear and the brain’s response to vestibular input. Learn more about our approach to vertigo and dizziness, or explore related conditions like Meniere’s disease and vestibular neuronitis.

Frequently Asked Questions About BPPV

What causes BPPV?

BPPV is caused by displacement of calcium carbonate crystals (otoconia) from their normal position in the inner ear into the semicircular canals. When the head moves, these misplaced crystals create false motion signals, triggering intense episodes of vertigo. The displacement can happen spontaneously, after a head injury, or following prolonged bed rest.

How long do BPPV episodes last?

Individual episodes of BPPV-related vertigo typically last from a few seconds to several minutes. However, the overall condition can persist for weeks or months if untreated, and may recur after periods of remission. Episodes triggered by rolling over in bed are particularly common at night.

Is BPPV dangerous?

BPPV itself is not life-threatening — the “benign” in its name reflects this — but the dizziness, loss of balance, and nausea it causes can significantly impact daily life and increase fall risk, particularly in older adults. It is important to get an accurate diagnosis to rule out more serious vestibular or neurological causes.

How does Dr. Gates diagnose and treat BPPV?

Dr. Gates uses videonystagmography (VNG) — computerized eye tracking and caloric testing — to evaluate both the inner ear and the brain’s processing of vestibular signals. This allows him to confirm BPPV, identify which canal is affected, and design a rehabilitation plan that addresses both the mechanical and neurological components contributing to symptoms.

Why does BPPV keep coming back?

Recurrent BPPV often indicates that while the inner ear mechanics may be corrected temporarily, the brain is not fully adapting to vestibular changes. At Gates Brain Health, treatment targets both the inner ear dysfunction and the brain’s compensation mechanisms, reducing the likelihood of recurrence.

Is BPPV related to other vestibular conditions like Meniere’s disease?

BPPV and Meniere’s disease are distinct conditions, though both involve the inner ear and can cause vertigo. BPPV is caused by crystal displacement and is typically triggered by head position changes, while Meniere’s disease is characterized by recurrent spontaneous vertigo episodes, hearing loss, and tinnitus. Both can be evaluated and treated at Gates Brain Health in Reno, NV.

How do I schedule a BPPV evaluation at Gates Brain Health?

Call (775) 507-2000 or request an appointment online. Our clinic is located at 5420 Kietzke Lane, Suite 209, Reno, NV . A free initial consultation is available for new patients.