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Definition

Benign positional vertigo is a condition in which a person develops a sudden sensation of spinning, usually when moving the head. It is the most common cause of vertigo.

Alternative Names

Vertigo - positional

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Benign positional vertigo is due to a disturbance within the inner ear. The inner ear has fluid-filled tubes called semicircular canals. The canals are very sensitive to movement of the fluid, which occurs as you change position. The fluid movement allows your brain to interpret your body's position and maintain your balance.

Benign positional vertigo develops when a small piece of bone-like calcium breaks free and floats within the tube of the inner ear. This sends the brain confusing messages about your body's position.

There are no major risk factors. However, the condition may partly run in families. A prior head injury (even a slight bump to the head) or an inner ear infection called labyrinthitis may make some people more likely to develop the condition.

Symptoms

The main symptom is a spinning sensation, which:

  • Is usually triggered by head movement
  • Often starts suddenly

Most often, patients say they cannot roll in bed or tilt their head up to look at something.

Other symptoms can include:

  • Vision complaints, such as a perception that things are jumping or moving
  • Vomiting (in severe cases)
Signs and tests

To diagnose benign positional vertigo, the health care provider will often perform a test called the Dix-Hallpike maneuver. The doctor holds your head in a certain position and asks you to lie quickly backward over a table. As you do this, the doctor will look for abnormal eye movements and ask if you feel a spinning sensation. The doctor may use various methods to help evaluate your eye movements.

A physical exam is otherwise normal. A complete medical history and careful neurological exam should be done to rule out other reasons for your symptoms. Tests that may be done include:

Treatment

The most effective treatment is a procedure called "Epley's maneuver," which can move the small piece of bone-like calcium that is floating inside your inner ear. Other exercises that can readjust your response to head movements are less effective.

Occasionally, medications may be prescribed to relieve the spinning sensations. Such drugs may include:

  • Antihistamines
  • Anticholinergics
  • Sedative-hypnotics

However, such medicines often are not very effective for treating vertigo.

Expectations (prognosis)

Benign positional vertigo is uncomfortable, but usually improves with time. This condition may occur again without warning.

Complications

Patients with severe vertigo may get dehydrated due to frequent vomiting.

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if vertigo develops that has not been evaluated or if treatment is ineffective. Also call if you develop any associated symptoms (such as weakness, slurred speech, visual problems) that may indicate a more serious condition.

Prevention

Avoid head positions that trigger positional vertigo.

References

Cummings CW, Flint PW, Haughey BH, et al. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 4th ed. St Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2005:3226.

Hain TC. Cranial nerve VIII: vestibulocochlear system. In: Goetz CG, eds. Textbook of Clinical Neurology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 12.

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14y ago

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Related Questions

What does the abbreviation BPPV stand for?

The abbreviation BPPV typically stands for the medical condition known as "Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo" which is also called "Benign Paroxystic Positional Vertigo" or "Benign Paroxysmal Postural Vertigo".


What is benign positional vertigo?

Benign vertigo is the sudden feeling that you are spinning. This is very common and is not something that should alarm you.


What does the medical abbreviation BPV mean?

Benign Positional Vertigo


Can medication cure the symptoms of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo?

No, medication is not used to cure benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Medication is used to control the symptoms and can remove the feeling of nausea/dizziness and even vomiting.


Why do you get dizzy when you look up?

You may be suffering from BPPV (BENIGN PAROXYSMAL POSITIONAL VERTIGO) info and treatment http://www.tchain.com/otoneurology/disorders/bppv/bppv.html


The sensation of the room spinning or the person spinning is called?

The sensation of the room spinning is called vertigo, while the sensation of the person spinning is called dizziness. Both can be symptoms of various medical conditions.


Which website gives the best information on benign paroxysmal positional vertigo?

www.patient.co.uk is a government site that deals with this thoroughly. Wikipedia is also a good resource but not a substitute for medical advice and such.


What is it called when everything is spinning and you can't see right?

This sensation is called vertigo. It is often accompanied by dizziness, nausea, and difficulty maintaining balance. It can be caused by issues with the inner ear, such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), vestibular neuritis, or Meniere's disease.


Can meclizine make vertigo worse?

Meclizine is used to treat a very specific form of vertigo, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Meclizine may make you drowsy, which may make you lightheaded and more likely to become vertiginous if you do not have BPPV, or it may not work for you at all, and taking it may delay diagnosis of your actual condition. If you are continuing to have vertigo symptoms, despite meclizine, or you are getting worse, I would recommend you call or see your physician. You may need additional studies.


What are some of the most causes of vertigo?

Vertigo causes people to feel unsteady and nauseous. Vertigo is often caused by inner ear problems and can even affect hearing and balance. Vertigo is differentiated from dizziness by the severity of problems and length of symptoms.


What tried and tested Vertigo treatment methods are there?

There are various head and neck exercises that one can do in an attempt to reduce vertigo. The Epley manoeuvre and the Brandt-Daroff exercises are both good movements that help 90% of people suffering vertigo.


What is epley's maneuver?

Epley's maneuver is a specific series of head and body movements used to treat benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), a common inner ear disorder. The maneuver involves moving the patient's head through a sequence of positions to dislodge and reposition calcium crystals in the inner ear that are causing vertigo symptoms. By guiding the crystals back into the proper location within the inner ear, Epley's maneuver can alleviate symptoms of vertigo and restore balance function. It is a well-established and effective treatment for BPPV when performed correctly by trained healthcare professionals.