What Is BPPV?

Have you ever stood up too quickly and experienced an intense dizzy sensation, almost like you’re spinning? People suffering from vertigo know that feeling all too well. While there are several different causes of vertigo, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is one of the most common causes. BPPV causes brief episodes of mild to intense dizziness, usually triggered by changes in the position of your head – like when you’re lying down or turning over in bed. Fortunately, BPPV is rarely serious and easily treatable with a few easy in-office procedures. But what is BPPV, and what makes it different from other kinds of vertigo?

What Is BPPV?

What Causes BPPV?

First, let’s examine what exactly causes BPPV. Unlike a concussion or whiplash, experts at Johns Hopkins explain that BPPV is caused by a problem in the inner ear. The inner ear contains tiny calcium “stones” or “crystals,” which help you keep your balance. Those tiny stones move around when you move your head, helping you maintain your equilibrium. However, those stones can occasionally migrate in an unhelpful way. When those stones move into an area of your inner ear called the semicircular canal, it triggers sensors that can cause an uncomfortable feeling of dizziness.

What Are the Symptoms?

The most noticeable symptom of this condition is vertigo, or the feeling that you or your surroundings are spinning. The Mayo Clinic reports that the other signs and symptoms of BPPV may include the following:

• Sudden dizziness
• Loss of balance
• Occasional nausea and vomiting
• Abnormal rhythmic eye movements

These symptoms often come and go fairly quickly, typically only lasting for around a minute or so. Episodes of BPPV can also disappear for a while, recurring after an extended period of time. Either way, individuals with BPPV will typically only notice symptoms after moving their head. While these symptoms aren’t life-threatening, they can be extremely uncomfortable. They can also contribute to falls, which can be dangerous. The good news is that BPPV is very treatable with easy, noninvasive in-office procedures.

How Can I Treat BPPV?

As mentioned above, this condition is typically easily treatable. If you decide to work with a dizzy and balance specialist, your doctor should be able to complete one of two in-office procedures that typically ease or eliminate the symptoms of BPPV. The first procedure, known as the Epley maneuver, involves gently tilting your head in a series of different directions. The second procedure, known as the Semont maneuver, involves quickly turning your head to alleviate symptoms. For many patients, the condition improves over time as your brain gets used to the confusing signals from your inner ear. If you opt out of in-office treatment, you should still be aware of the possibility of sudden attacks of vertigo, making sure to avoid driving or using machinery if you are worried about losing your balance.

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So, what is BPPV? This relatively common, mild condition is the most common cause of vertigo. Fortunately, BPPV is easily treatable and very rarely dangerous. If you are worried about frustrating vertigo symptoms, reach out to a dizzy and balance specialist today.

Are you struggling with dizziness or balance issues? Have you been in an accident due to your dizziness or vertigo? Reach out to the professionals at the National Dizzy & Balance Center. We specialize in diagnosing and treating vestibular disorders, including concussions and vertigo. Our talented team members can evaluate the extent of your condition and design a personalized plan to relieve your symptoms. To learn more about our approach to vertigo treatment, please contact us online or by phone. Or if you’re ready to get started, schedule your free medical consultation today.