Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is an inner ear problem that causes a spinning or whirling sensation (vertigo) when a person moves his or her head a certain way. It is believed to occur when tiny calcium stones move around in the ear canal and send false signals to the brain.

Vertigo that lasts less than a minute is the main symptom of BPPV. The vertigo is triggered by a certain head movement.

Treatment usually involves a series of head movements to move the debris in the inner ear in a way that does not affect balance. BPPV may briefly go away but can return without warning. Avoiding the positions that cause vertigo may prevent symptoms.

Credits

Author Kathe Gallagher, MSW
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer Anne C. Poinier, MD
- Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Barrie J. Hurwitz, MD
- Neurology
Last Updated January 29, 2007