Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is a common cause of vertigo, which is a sudden feeling as if you are spinning or your head is spinning.
Each part of the name Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo explains an important part of this inner ear condition:
- Benign: Not very serious and not life-threatening.
- Episodes: Sudden onset, lasting a short time.
- Location: Vertigo that occurs with certain movements or positions.
- Vertigo: A feeling of swaying or spinning.
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is often caused by certain changes in head position. You can trigger Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo by sitting up in bed, lying down, turning over in bed, or lifting your head up or down.
Common symptoms of Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo:
- Dizziness
- Shaking or loss of balance
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- A feeling that you or your surroundings are moving or spinning
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo symptoms may come and go and usually last less than a minute. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo episodes may go away for a while and then come back.
The activities that trigger Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo symptoms can vary from person to person, but they are usually always caused by changes in head position. Some people also feel off balance when walking or standing.
It is important to know that Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo does not cause constant dizziness that is not affected by changes in position or movement. It will not cause headaches, fainting, or neurological symptoms such as pins and needles, paralysis, difficulty coordinating movements, or difficulty speaking. It will not affect your hearing. If you experience any of these symptoms, see your doctor immediately, as other conditions may initially be misdiagnosed as Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.
A tic tremor (an abnormal rhythmic eye movement) often accompanies symptoms of Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.
What is the best option for managing benign paroxysmal positional vertigo?
The most effective treatments for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo include physical therapy exercises. The goal of these exercises is to move the calcium carbonate particles out of the semicircular canals and back into the capsule, where they are more easily absorbed and do not cause bothersome symptoms.
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo exercises, sometimes called canal repositioning procedures, usually take about 15 minutes to complete. Repositioning involves a series of physical movements that change the position of your head and body. These actions move the otoconia out of the semicircular canals and back into their proper position in your utricle.
A single otoconia repositioning procedure is effective in treating about 80% to 90% of cases of Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Additional Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo exercises may be needed if symptoms persist.
You can do these exercises at home to relieve your Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo symptoms.
- Step 1: Start by sitting on a bed or table. Turn your head 45 degrees toward the affected ear.
- Step 2: Quickly lie back, keeping your head facing the affected ear as you lie on your back with your head slightly over the edge of the bed or table. Wait about a minute or until you no longer have symptoms.
- Step 3: Without lifting your head, quickly turn your head in the opposite direction so that your “good” ear is parallel to – but slightly over the edge of – the table or bed. Wait about a minute or until you no longer have symptoms.
- Step 4: Roll to one side. Continue to turn your head another 90 degrees in the same direction as step 3 so that your nose is pointing toward the floor. Wait about a minute.
- Step 5: Keeping your chin toward your shoulder, sit up straight in the direction your body is facing. Follow any post-seed position changes instructions given to you by your healthcare provider.
