Why Spinning Sensations After a Car Accident Could Be BPPV: Understanding Post-Traumatic Vertigo in Kansas City
After a car accident, many people in Kansas City notice new dizzy spells or a sensation that the room is spinning. If these episodes are triggered by head movement, you may be experiencing Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, known as BPPV. This condition is especially common after head trauma, whiplash, or concussion.
What Is BPPV and Why Does It Happen After Trauma?
BPPV occurs when tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear, called otoconia, become dislodged and move into one of the semicircular canals. These canals help your body detect motion and maintain balance. When the crystals interfere with the normal flow of fluid, even small movements such as rolling over in bed or looking up can cause intense vertigo.
Car accidents often involve rapid changes in speed, head impacts, or whiplash. These forces can easily disrupt the delicate structures of your inner ear, making BPPV a frequent result. Patients from Lee’s Summit, Liberty, North Kansas City, and Overland Park often seek care for dizziness after auto accidents, only to discover the problem is mechanical rather than psychological.
Symptoms That Point to BPPV After a Car Accident or Concussion
Common signs of BPPV include a spinning sensation when you change head position, vertigo triggered by getting out of bed, brief dizzy spells that last less than a minute, nausea, a sense that the world is tilting, unsteadiness, and anxiety about moving your head. These episodes are usually brief but can feel overwhelming. Many people worry about serious brain injury, but BPPV is one of the most treatable causes of post-traumatic dizziness.
How BPPV Is Diagnosed in Kansas City
David Buechner, MD and Managing Director Lance Stevenson provide thorough vestibular and neurological evaluations to identify the source of your dizziness. Diagnosis includes positional testing to provoke and observe vertigo, eye movement assessments, balance and gait analysis, and cervical spine screening. A detailed exam ensures that BPPV is not missed and that other causes of dizziness are addressed.
Effective Treatment for BPPV
The most successful treatment for BPPV is canalith repositioning maneuvers. These guided head and body movements help move the crystals out of the semicircular canals and back to their proper location. Techniques such as the Epley maneuver and Brandt-Daroff exercises often provide rapid relief, sometimes in just one session. Medication and imaging are rarely needed for BPPV.
What If Dizziness Persists After Treatment?
Dizziness after a concussion or car accident can have multiple causes. Vestibular migraines, neck-related dizziness, visual-vestibular mismatch, and problems with eye movement can all contribute to symptoms. Comprehensive care may involve collaboration with chiropractic, vision, or physical therapy specialists to address every aspect of your recovery.
A tip from concussion rehabilitation experts is to include gentle movement and regular balance exercises in your daily routine. This helps prevent symptoms from returning and supports long-term stability.
For more information on advanced recovery strategies, visit TBI Therapy.
Regaining Stability and Confidence After Trauma
Living with dizziness can make daily activities feel challenging. Kansas City patients benefit from a team approach that combines expert diagnosis, targeted vestibular therapy, and ongoing support. Early intervention helps restore balance and prevent chronic symptoms.
If you are experiencing spinning sensations or dizziness after a car accident or concussion, do not wait for symptoms to resolve on their own. The right treatment can help you return to normal life with confidence.
Disclaimer
This blog is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. If you have experienced a concussion or other injury, please consult a qualified healthcare provider.
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