Vertigo After a Ski Fall? BPPV Treatment in Hakuba

Feeling dizzy when you roll over in bed, look up, or get up too quickly can be unsettling—especially when you’re here to ski or snowboard. One common (and very treatable) cause of these symptoms is BPPV, and it’s something we can assess and treat at Peak Sports Physio Hakuba.

What Is BPPV?

BPPV stands for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo.

• Benign: not dangerous

• Paroxysmal: comes on suddenly

• Positional: triggered by certain head positions

• Vertigo: a spinning or dizzy sensation

BPPV occurs when tiny calcium crystals inside the inner ear become displaced. These crystals normally help with balance, but when they move into the wrong area, they confuse your brain and cause brief episodes of vertigo when you change head position.

What Causes Vertigo?

BPPV can happen to anyone, however common causes include:

• Minor head knocks or falls (very common in skiing and snowboarding)

• Sudden or repeated head movements

• Previous concussion

• Inner ear infections

• Long travel days or fatigue

• Sometimes, no clear cause at all

In Hakuba, we often see BPPV after:

• Falls on the slopes

• Tumbles in deep powder

• Head impacts that didn’t seem serious at the time

Common Symptoms of vertigo

BPPV symptoms are usually short-lasting but can be intense. Common signs include:

• A spinning sensation (vertigo)

• Dizziness when rolling over in bed

• Dizziness when looking up or down

• Nausea or feeling off-balance

Symptoms typically last seconds to minutes and are triggered by specific movements rather than being constant.

How Is vertigo Treated?

The good news: BPPV is very treatable, and most people feel much better quickly.

At Peak Sports Physio Hakuba, treatment usually includes:

• A detailed assessment to confirm BPPV

• Identifying which ear and canal are involved

• Specific repositioning manoeuvres (such as the Epley manoeuvre)

• Advice on activity and movement after treatment

• Follow-up treatment if needed

Many people experience significant improvement after just one or two sessions.

Can I Still Ski or Snowboard?

In many cases, skiing or snowboarding should be paused until symptoms settle—especially if dizziness affects balance or vision. We’ll guide you on:

• When it’s safe to return to snow

• How to manage symptoms

• How to reduce the risk of recurrence

Your safety on the mountain always comes first. The good news is - when treated correctly a BPPY can resolve in a matter of days!

Red Flags: When to Seek Medical Attention

While BPPV itself is not dangerous, not all dizziness is BPPV. Seek urgent medical care if you experience:

• Dizziness that is constant and not position-related

• Severe headache or neck pain

• Double vision or vision loss

• Slurred speech

• Facial drooping

• Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs

• Difficulty walking or sudden loss of coordination

• Dizziness after a significant head injury

These symptoms may indicate a more serious condition and should be assessed immediately.

Feeling Dizzy? We Can Help

If you’re experiencing vertigo or dizziness during your time in Hakuba, don’t just try to push through it. At Peak Sports Physio Hakuba, we’re experienced in assessing and treating BPPV so you can feel steady, confident, and safe—on and off the mountain.

Book an appointment with our physio team and let’s get you back to enjoying your time in the mountains without the spins.