Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo or BPPV is the most common cause of vertigo. It is thought to occur secondary to the dislodgement of calcium particles from within the balance canals of the inner ear. With head movement, the fluids within the inner ear are put into motion. With the cessation of head movement, the fluids also cease to move. When the calcium particles are afloat within the fluids of the inner ear, their momentum continues their motion resulting in the inappropriate stimulation of the inner ear that there is movement. This produces the sensation of movement or vertigo.

Those with BPPV commonly report dizziness occurring with head movements such as looking up, turning over in bed or bending down. The actual dizziness lasts for a few seconds but the accompanying nausea may last several hours.

Risk factors for the development of BPPV include older age, history of head trauma, history of ear surgery, history of Meniere’s disease, and history of vestibular neuritis.

Treatment for BPPV

Treatment exists for BPPV. After making the correct diagnosis, canalith repositioning maneuvers or libertory maneuvers act to guide the calcium particles into a larger compartment of the inner ear encouraging is dissolution. These maneuvers are successful over 90% of the time.

For those 10% who don’t respond to the canalith repositioning or libertory maneuvers, a regimen of physical therapy can be helpful in controlling or eliminating these symptoms.