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Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is caused when things like infection or inflammation stop the tiny calcium "stones" inside the inner ear from moving as they should. This sends a false message to the brain and affects a person's balance.

The tiny stones inside the inner ear canals help a person maintain balance. Normally, for certain movements, such as when standing up or turning the head, these stones move around. When this normal movement is blocked, BPPV can occur.

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

For treatment usually a doctor helps the person who has BPPV do a series of head movements to move the debris in the inner ear to a place where it does not affect balance. BPPV may briefly go away but can return without warning. Avoiding the positions that cause vertigo may prevent symptoms.

Last Revised: December 16, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine & Barrie J. Hurwitz, MD - Neurology

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