BPPV: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
A clear guide to benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, covering warning signs, diagnosis and the simple treatment that resolves it.
Treatment usually begins with
Specialist Assessment
Positional Testing
Repositioning Maneuver
Follow-up Care
Most cases resolve completely with a simple, in-office repositioning maneuver.
You may need this evaluated if...
A BPPV evaluation is recommended when these signs appear:
- Brief spinning sensations triggered by head movement
- Dizziness when rolling over in bed or looking up
- Vertigo lasting seconds to a minute at a time
- Nausea accompanying episodes of dizziness
BPPV is one of the most treatable causes of vertigo, often resolving after a single treatment session.
What is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)?
BPPV is a common inner ear condition causing brief episodes of vertigo triggered by specific head movements, caused by displaced calcium crystals in the inner ear.
Most Common Cause of Vertigo
BPPV is the leading cause of vertigo seen by ENT specialists.
Triggered by Movement
Episodes are typically brief and linked to changes in head position.
Highly Treatable
A simple repositioning maneuver resolves symptoms in most patients.
Can Recur
BPPV may return over time, but responds well to repeat treatment.
Common Symptoms
- Brief spinning sensation triggered by head movement
- Dizziness when lying down, sitting up or rolling over
- Nausea during episodes
- Unsteadiness between episodes
What Increases Your Risk
A combination of medical, lifestyle and environmental factors can increase the likelihood of this condition.
How It Is Diagnosed
A structured assessment confirms the diagnosis and helps guide the right treatment plan.
Clinical History
A description of your dizziness pattern and triggers guides the assessment.
Dix-Hallpike Test
A positional test confirms the diagnosis by reproducing the vertigo and eye movements.
Balance Assessment
Additional testing rules out other causes of dizziness when needed.
Treatment Approaches
Medical Care
- Canalith repositioning maneuver, performed in-office
- Home exercises to reinforce treatment
- Medication for nausea during acute episodes
Surgical Care
Surgery is very rarely needed for BPPV and is reserved for the small number of cases that don't respond to repositioning treatment.
Treatment decisions are based on symptoms, test results, timing and overall health, not a single test.
Know When to Act
Recognising these signs early and acting promptly is important for the best outcome.
Book an Assessment
Schedule a consultation for a routine evaluation or ongoing symptoms.
- Brief spinning episodes triggered by movement
- Dizziness affecting daily activities
Seek Urgent Care
Call for emergency care immediately if you notice any of the following.
- Vertigo with weakness, slurred speech or vision loss
Not Sure What You Need?
Speak to a Care Guide and we'll help you choose the right ENT specialist.
Talk to Care GuideA care guide can match your condition to the right ENT specialist.
Share your concern or existing reports. We will help you choose the right hospital, doctor and appointment.
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