Understanding Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

Have you ever rolled over in bed, looked up at a high shelf, or bent down to pick something up, only to feel like the room was suddenly spinning? Although it can be alarming, this sensation may be caused by Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)—one of the most common causes of dizziness.

Despite its long name, BPPV is generally not life-threatening. It occurs when tiny calcium crystals inside the inner ear become displaced and move into the wrong part of the balance system. As your head changes position, these crystals send confusing signals to your brain, creating the sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning.

Episodes are usually brief, lasting less than a minute, but they can be intense enough to affect daily activities. Many people begin avoiding certain movements because they fear triggering another dizzy spell.

Common symptoms include:

• A spinning sensation when changing head positions

• Loss of balance or unsteadiness

• Nausea during dizzy episodes

• Feeling off-balance after the spinning stops

The good news is that BPPV is often highly treatable. A healthcare professional can perform specific repositioning techniques to guide the crystals back to where they belong, helping to reduce or eliminate symptoms without medication.