DiscoverGrounded | The Vestibular Podcast119. The Difference Between BPPV and Vestibular Migraine
119. The Difference Between BPPV and Vestibular Migraine

119. The Difference Between BPPV and Vestibular Migraine

Update: 2025-12-23
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People are frequently asking about the difference between BPPV and vestibular migraine (VM), so we’re getting into that on this episode!


Aside from them both causing nystagmus (involuntary eye movement), these are not even a little bit the same thing.


But vestibular migraine can cause nystagmus which can present identically to BPPV—and that can be really confusing for providers and patients alike!


So… let’s explore how you can determine what’s what and what the appropriate treatment options are for each.


In this episode, we’ll dig into:



  • The difference between BPPV and vestibular migraine

  • The one similarity between BPPV and vestibular migraine

  • The role the inner ear crystals play in BPPV

  • What the Epley maneuver can be used to treat

  • How vestibular migraine can cause positional vertigo

  • How to treat BPPV vs vestibular migraine


It’s critical to land on the correct diagnosis in order to know which treatment path to choose. The best way to tell what you’re dealing with is to work with a physical therapist because in science, we find that they’re the best people to diagnose.


And remember, it is possible to have more than one vestibular disorder and to not feel dizzy everyday.


If you’re in the holiday challenge and listening today, please send me a DM for extra credit.


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This podcast is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.


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vestibular migraine and BPPV, vestibular migraine, BPPV, BPPV treatment, vestibular migraine treatment, VM support group, bppv and migraine, how does the vestibular system work, positional vertigo, Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, nystagmus, peripheral vestibular disorder, inner ear, Epley maneuver bppv

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119. The Difference Between BPPV and Vestibular Migraine

119. The Difference Between BPPV and Vestibular Migraine

Dr. Madison Oak, PT, DPT