OverviewBPPV can happen when otoconia (calcium carbonate particles) from the utricle get trapped in the semicircular canals of your inner ear.What is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)?Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common inner ear disorder. With BPPV, changes in your head position — such as tipping your head backward or sitting up in bed — lead to sudden vertigo (a feeling that the room is spinning). Show
BPPV isn’t a sign of a serious problem, and it usually disappears on its own within a few days of the first episode. (It could take several weeks for some people.) However, the symptoms of BPPV can be very frightening and may be dangerous, especially in adults over the age of 65. The unsteadiness of BPPV can lead to falls, which are a leading cause of fractures. Who does benign paroxysmal positional vertigo affect?BPPV can affect people of all ages, but it’s most common in adults over the age of 50. About half of all people in this age range experience at least one episode of BPPV in their lifetime. BPPV can affect children, but it’s rare. How common is BPPV?Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is the most common inner ear disorder. In fact, approximately 20% of people who are evaluated for dizziness are diagnosed with BPPV. Is BPPV permanent?BPPV usually goes away on its own. However, until it’s successfully treated, it can come back. In some cases, months — or even years — go by before another episode occurs. Symptoms and CausesWhat are the symptoms of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo?Vertigo is the main symptom of BPPV. This vertigo sensation can range from mild to severe and may last seconds, or up to 1 minute. It may be accompanied by other benign paroxysmal positional vertigo symptoms, including:
While BPPV usually only affects one ear at a time, it can potentially affect both ears. What triggers BPPV?BPPV is almost always triggered by a change in your head’s position. Some people may notice symptoms when lying down or sitting up in bed. Others might notice symptoms when they tilt their head back or to the side. These symptoms often worsen with age due to normal wear and tear of the inner ear structures. In some instances, BPPV may be a symptom of another inner ear condition, such as:
Additionally, BPPV may accompany migraines, or it may develop after a traumatic event — such as a fall, accident or sports injury. Why do changes in head position cause BPPV?BPPV develops when calcium carbonate particles (otoconia) move into your semicircular canals (inner ear structures that control balance) and become trapped. Normally, the otoconia are part of your utricle, a vestibular organ next to your semicircular canals. In your utricle, the otoconia may become loose due to injury, infection or age. As your head position changes, the otoconia roll around and push on tiny hair-like structures (cilia) within your semicircular canals. Those cilia help transmit information about balance to your brain. Vertigo develops when the cilia are stimulated by the rolling otoconia. Diagnosis and TestsHow is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo diagnosed?Your healthcare provider can diagnose BPPV during an office visit. They’ll perform a physical examination and ask questions about your symptoms and medical history. Management and TreatmentWhat is the fastest way to cure BPPV?The most effective benign paroxysmal positional vertigo treatments involve physical therapy exercises. The goal of these exercises is to move the calcium carbonate particles out of your semicircular canals and back into your utricle. Here, the particles resorb more easily and don’t cause uncomfortable symptoms. You can also take motion sickness medications to relieve your symptoms. However, you shouldn’t take these medications long term. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo exercises: How do they work?BPPV exercises — sometimes called canalith repositioning procedures — typically take about 15 minutes to complete. Particle repositioning involves a series of physical movements that change the position of your head and body. These actions shift the otoconia out of your semicircular canals and back into their proper location in your utricle. A single particle repositioning procedure is effective in treating about 80% to 90% of cases of BPPV. Additional BPPV exercises may be needed if symptoms continue. Your healthcare provider can perform this maneuver during an office visit. They can also demonstrate how to do these exercises at home to ease your BPPV symptoms. In the meantime, here are some step-by-step instructions to try:
Right position Left position Can BPPV go away on its own?Yes. In many cases, BPPV goes away on its own eventually. But it can come back. If it does, your healthcare provider can tell you how to manage your symptoms when they occur. PreventionHow can I reduce my risk for BPPV?You can’t prevent BPPV, but you can manage it with particle repositioning exercises. To reduce your risk of trauma-related BPPV, be sure to wear a helmet when biking, playing contact sports or participating in other similar activities. Outlook / PrognosisWhat can I expect if I have benign paroxysmal positional vertigo?The good news is that BPPV doesn’t indicate a serious health problem. Even so, dealing with your symptoms can be scary and frustrating. Your healthcare provider can teach you how to do BPPV exercises at home so you can manage your symptoms at the first sign of trouble. How long does BPPV last?In most cases, a BPPV episode lasts 1 to 2 minutes. Your symptoms may be mild, or they may be so severe that you throw up. You might even lose your balance when you try to stand or walk. Living WithWhen should I see my healthcare provider?If you’ve experienced a BPPV episode, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider. They can demonstrate physical therapy exercises to reduce your symptoms. If you have dizziness combined with a severe headache, chest pain or an irregular heartbeat, call 911 right away. A note from Cleveland Clinic Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo isn’t life-threatening, but it can have a significant negative impact on your quality of life. If you’ve experienced sudden episodes of dizziness, vertigo, balance problems or other symptoms related to BPPV, call your healthcare provider. In most cases, physical therapy exercises and home treatments can keep your symptoms at bay. ResourcesBenign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Glossary of Terms
What is the fastest way to cure BPPV?What is the fastest way to cure BPPV? The most effective benign paroxysmal positional vertigo treatments involve physical therapy exercises. The goal of these exercises is to move the calcium carbonate particles out of your semicircular canals and back into your utricle.
What helps vertigo go away fast?A technique called canalith repositioning (or Epley maneuver) usually helps resolve benign paroxysmal positional vertigo more quickly than simply waiting for your dizziness to go away. It can be done by your doctor, an audiologist or a physical therapist and involves maneuvering the position of your head.
How can I fix vertigo on my own?If you're experiencing a vertigo attack, the best thing to do is lie down in a quiet, dark room, close your eyes, and take deep breaths. This may help ease any nausea symptoms and reduce the sensation of spinning.
What should you not do with BPPV?What to avoid after BPPV treatment includes bending forward to put on your shoes, leaning back to recline, and tipping your chin down to check your phone. It is important that you just sit upright with your head level for a 20 minute rest break, on a chair or the couch. Avoid vigorous head shaking for one week.
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