New Research Highlights a Simpler Way to Diagnose a Common Cause of Vertigo
- Julian Simpson
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Written by Dr Julian Simpson — Chiropractor with 15+ years of experience, Board Member of the Chiropractic Australia Research Foundation, and author/reviewer of 800+ health articles.
New Research Highlights a Simpler Way to Diagnose a Common Cause of Vertigo
Understanding BPPV, Dizziness and Why Accurate Diagnosis Matters
Feeling dizzy when you roll over in bed, look up, or change position can be frightening. For many Australians, these symptoms are caused by a condition known as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), one of the most common causes of vertigo and balance disturbances.
Recent research has identified a simpler and more comfortable way to help diagnose certain forms of BPPV, potentially improving patient experience and allowing faster treatment.
At Health Wise Chiropractic in Sunbury, we regularly help patients understand the causes of dizziness and determine when referral for vestibular assessment may be appropriate.
BPPV occurs when tiny calcium carbonate crystals, known as otoconia, become dislodged from their normal location within the inner ear.
When these crystals move into one of the balance canals of the inner ear, they can interfere with normal balance signals being sent to the brain. This can trigger episodes of:
Vertigo (a spinning sensation)
Dizziness when changing position
Loss of balance
Nausea
Motion sensitivity
Difficulty walking or turning
BPPV is estimated to account for up to 20% of all dizziness presentations and is one of the most common vestibular disorders seen in clinical practice.
A Commonly Missed Form of Vertigo
While many healthcare professionals are familiar with posterior canal BPPV, the second most common form affects the horizontal semicircular canal.
Research suggests horizontal canal BPPV accounts for approximately 16–31% of all BPPV cases.
This form can be more challenging to diagnose because symptoms and eye movement patterns (nystagmus) are often more complex.
As a result, some patients experience prolonged symptoms before receiving the correct diagnosis and treatment.
What Did the New Study Find?
Researchers analysed 209 patients diagnosed with horizontal canal BPPV and investigated the effectiveness of a simple assessment known as the Lying-Down Test (LDT).
The LDT involves moving from a seated position to lying flat, making it significantly more comfortable than some traditional diagnostic procedures.
The findings were impressive:
The test correctly identified the affected side in approximately 97% of cases.
The test produced positive findings in over 60% of patients.
Patients with positive results often required fewer diagnostic manoeuvres.
Older adults aged over 60 were more likely to demonstrate positive findings.
The test was well tolerated and easier for many patients to complete.
The researchers concluded that the Lying-Down Test is a reliable and valuable addition to the assessment process for horizontal canal BPPV.
Why Faster Diagnosis Matters
Anyone who has experienced vertigo knows how disruptive it can be.
Symptoms can interfere with:
Driving
Work performance
Exercise
Sleep quality
Daily activities
Confidence when moving around
Research has consistently shown that appropriate diagnosis and treatment can dramatically improve symptoms, often within a short period.
The sooner the correct diagnosis is made, the sooner effective treatment can begin.
The Importance of Comprehensive Assessment
Not all dizziness is caused by BPPV.
Dizziness and balance problems may also be associated with:
Vestibular disorders
Inner ear infections
Concussion
Neurological conditions
Medication side effects
Cardiovascular issues
This is why a thorough history and examination are essential before any treatment recommendations are made.
How Chiropractic Care May Help
While chiropractors do not treat the inner ear itself, a comprehensive chiropractic assessment may help identify musculoskeletal factors that can contribute to symptoms such as dizziness, balance disturbances, neck stiffness and headaches.
Many patients experiencing dizziness also report:
Neck pain
Reduced neck mobility
Muscle tension
Postural strain
Headaches
Addressing these factors may help improve overall function and comfort while ensuring patients receive appropriate referrals when vestibular assessment or medical investigation is required.
When Should You Seek Help?
If you experience:
Sudden episodes of spinning sensations
Dizziness when rolling over in bed
Symptoms triggered by looking up or bending down
Balance problems
Recurrent vertigo
it is important to seek professional assessment.
Early diagnosis can help identify whether symptoms are related to BPPV, vestibular dysfunction, neck-related causes or other health conditions requiring further investigation.
Looking for Help with Dizziness in Sunbury?
At Health Wise Chiropractic, we provide comprehensive assessments for patients experiencing dizziness, neck pain, headaches and balance-related concerns.
Our goal is to identify contributing factors, provide evidence-informed care where appropriate, and help guide patients towards the most suitable management pathway.
If you're experiencing dizziness, vertigo or recurring neck-related symptoms, contact Health Wise Chiropractic in Sunbury to arrange an assessment and discuss your options.
How Chiropractic Care May Help
At Health Wise Chiropractic, we take a comprehensive approach to posture-related care.
Treatment may include:
We focus on addressing both the symptoms and the underlying biomechanical stress contributing to neck dysfunction.
About the Author
Dr Julian Simpson is an Australian chiropractor with over 15 years of experience in musculoskeletal healthcare and rehabilitation.
He is a Board Member of the Chiropractic Australia Research Foundation and has reviewed and written more than 800 evidence-based health articles focused on spinal health, rehabilitation, sports injuries and conservative care approaches.
His treatment focus includes:
Chiropractic adjustments
Sports chiropractic
Massage therapy
Shockwave therapy
Laser therapy
Non-surgical spinal decompression
Dr Simpson provides patient care through Healthwise Chiropractic, serving communities including Sunbury, Melton, Diggers Rest and surrounding regions.
Reference
Xia K, Gao R, Zhang X, Yan X, He D. Re-evaluating the lying-down test: a step-saving and well-tolerated diagnostic adjunct for horizontal canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Front Neurol. 2026 May 25;17:1830444. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2026.1830444. PMID: 42266592; PMCID: PMC13243013.
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