Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is a common cause of dizziness. It is called ‘benign’ because it is not a life-threatening condition. It can, however, be quite bothersome and affect your quality of life. The spinning sensation, or ‘vertigo’, can be brief but intense, causing nausea and unsteadiness.

BPPV happens when tiny chalk-like particles in your inner ear called ‘otoconia’ are no longer where they should be. The sensation of vertigo is usually brief, lasting less than a minute. It often occurs when you change your head position, like rolling over in bed, looking up or down, or tilting your head.

BPPV is treatable. When assessing for BPPV the Physiotherapist will get you to lie down and assess you in different positions whilst closely observing your eyes. They will be able to establish which part of the inner ear is the problem. The physiotherapist can perform a manoeuvre to move the particles back into the correct part of the inner ear.

For more information on BPPV, please see this leaflet.