Loading icon
Health Information Center

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

(BPPV; Benign Positional Vertigo, BPV; Positional Vertigo of Barany)

Definition

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a feeling of movement or spinning caused by changes in the position of the head. This might include standing after bending down, turning the head in bed, or stretching the neck to look up.

Causes

The inner ear contains tiny hairs and tiny crystals. These hairs can sense movement and help with balance. BPPV happens when these crystals shift or clump. This sends signals to the brain that makes it think a person is moving when he or she is not. This causes the feeling of movement.

Inner Ear.

The clump of ear crystals can lead to BPPV.

Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Inner ear depositshttp://services.epnet.com/getimage.aspx?imageiid=77617761si55551312_105433_1.jpgsi55551312NULLjpgInner ear depositsNULL\\hgfiler01a\intellect\images\si55551312_105433_1.jpgNULL54NULL2008-12-22258396Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

In some people the cause is not known. In others, it may be caused by things like:

  • Surgery
  • Head injury
  • Reclining the head for a long time
  • Disorders of the inner ear

Risk Factors

Increased age raises a person's chances of getting BPPV.

Symptoms

A person with BPPV may have:

  • A feeling of spinning or moving when changing head position
  • Loss of balance
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Ringing or buzzing sounds in the ear(s)
  • Vision or hearing problems

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. Certain tests will be done to look for signs of BPPV. This is enough to make the diagnosis.

Treatment

BPPV may get better on its own in some people. In others, the goal of treatment is to manage symptoms. Choices may be:

Prevention

BPPV cannot be prevented.

Physical Therapy

Vestibular exercises may be given by a physical therapist. These use a series of eye, head, and body motions to get the body used to moving without a feeling of spinning.

Physical Therapy

Vestibular exercises may be given by a physical therapist. These use a series of eye, head, and body motions to get the body used to moving without a feeling of spinning.

Canalith Repositioning

A doctor or physical therapist will move the person's head in different positions to try to resettle the tiny crystals. It may be done more than once. A person may also be taught to do this at home.

Surgery

Some people may need surgery if other methods do not help. A piece of wax may be used to plug one part of the ear. This will prevent fluid in the inner ear from moving. Another surgery may be done to cut the nerve from the inner ear.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. The Merck Manual Professional Edition website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/ear,-nose,-and-throat-disorders/inner-ear-disorders/benign-paroxysmal-positional-vertigo.
  • Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/benign-paroxysmal-positional-vertigo-bppv.
  • Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: http://familydoctor.org/condition/benign-paroxysmal-positional-vertigo.
  • Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Vestibular Disorders Association website. Available at: https://vestibular.org/article/diagnosis-treatment/types-of-vestibular-disorders/benign-paroxysmal-positional-vertigo-bppv.
  • You, P., Instrum, R., et al. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol, 2019; 4 (1): 116-123.

Contributors

  • Rimas Lukas, MD
Last Updated:
2022-08-01

(C) Copyright 2022 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.