How to Know If Your Spinning Sensation is BPPV Related

Dizziness can stop you in your tracks. From getting out of bed to driving your car, even the simplest activities can become daunting. But what’s causing this imbalance? Is it something as common as vertigo, or could a more serious issue be at play?

At Advanced Spinal Care in Redwood City, Dr. Pete Tsiglieris helps patients find relief from dizziness by identifying its root cause and providing Upper Cervical Care in Redwood City. Sometimes, it’s something that can be resolved quickly and effectively. Other times, it could signal a condition that needs further medical attention. Our goal is always the same: to get you feeling better and back to your daily life as quickly as possible and to help you determine your next step.

The ATTEST Approach: A Clear Path to Diagnosing Dizziness

Dizziness comes in many forms—whether you feel lightheaded, shaky, or the world around you seem to spin. When you check your condition for the first time and want to know whether it should require immediate medical assistance, you should use the ATTEST approach. This stands for: 

• Associated Symptoms
• Timing and Triggers
• Examination Signs
• Testing as needed

Using this method will help you have a better idea of whether the dizziness is due to a “benign” issue like Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) or if it could be linked to something more serious, such as a stroke or a neurological condition.

Key Questions You Should Ask Yourself to Pinpoint the Cause of Your Dizziness

Start by asking some essential questions that would give you clues about what might be causing your episodes. These include:

• When did the dizziness start?
• Was it sudden or gradual?
• Is it constant or does it come and go?
• Do specific movements or situations trigger the dizziness?

These questions will help you check whether your dizziness might be one of three types: acute vestibular syndrome (AVS), spontaneous episodic vestibular syndrome (s-EVS), or triggered episodic vestibular syndrome (t-EVS). 

The more information you have on these things, the better you can be at describing how you feel when you schedule a visit to your primary care provider or our Upper Cervical Chiropractor, Dr. Tsiglieris.

Benign vs. Dangerous Dizziness: What You Should Know

Not all dizziness is created equal. Here’s a quick look at the most common benign and severe causes:

Benign Causes of Dizziness
The most common causes of dizziness that we see among our patients who seek Upper Cervical Care in Redwood City are conditions like BPPV or orthostatic hypotension. BPPV is usually manageable with the Epley maneuver or Upper Cervical Care. Another frequent cause is orthostatic hypotension, where dizziness is linked to changes in blood pressure, often occurring when standing up too quickly.

Serious Causes of Dizziness
While rare, dizziness can sometimes signal a more serious issue like a stroke or posterior circulation problems. These conditions can be life-threatening, so it’s essential to differentiate them from benign causes as soon as possible. If you suspect something more serious, do not delay and call for medical help.

Manage Vertigo or Dizziness with Upper Cervical Care in Redwood City

If you’re experiencing dizziness, getting the proper diagnosis and treatment is crucial. At Advanced Spinal Care, we take a thorough and patient-centered approach to uncover the cause of your dizziness. Whether we can help you manage your symptoms with chiropractic care or need to refer you for further testing, you’ll have answers and a clear path forward.

Don’t let dizziness hold you back—reach out today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward feeling like yourself again.