Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is one of the most common causes of vertigo, a sudden feeling that you are spinning or that the inside of your head is spinning.
BPPV causes brief episodes of mild to severe dizziness. It is often triggered by specific changes in the position of your head. This can happen when you lift your head up or down, when you lie down, or when you roll over or sit up in bed.
Although BPPV can be uncomfortable, it is rarely serious, except when it increases your risk of falling. You can get effective treatment for BPPV by seeing your doctor.
What are causes of Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo?
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo occurs when small calcium carbonate crystals move in the inner ear and/or fall into a different area of the balance tubes. Crystals can move for many reasons, such as an inner ear infection, fever, head trauma, or blunt trauma. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo can also occur with other inner ear problems such as Meniere’s disease, migraines; or, it is thought to be part of the normal aging process.
Other reasons why crystals can move:
- Injury
- Diabetes
- Osteoporosis
- Prolonged bed rest (preferred sleeping position, surgical procedures, and chronic illness)
- Vitamin D deficiency
- After an ear infection
Home remedies for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
If you have dizziness related to Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, you can try the following:
- Be careful because you can lose your balance, leading to falls and serious injuries.
- Avoid movements such as looking up that can cause symptoms.
- Sit down immediately if you feel dizzy.
- Use good lighting if you wake up at night.
- Walk with a cane for balance if you are at risk of falling.
- Work closely with your doctor to effectively manage your symptoms.
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo can come back even after successful treatment. Although there is no cure, the condition can be managed with physical therapy and home treatments.
Although dizziness is rarely a sign of a serious illness, see your doctor right away if you have dizziness or vertigo along with any of the following symptoms:
- A new, different, or severe headache
- Fever
- Double vision or loss of vision
- Hearing loss
- Difficulty speaking
- Weakness in an arm or leg
- Loss of consciousness
- Falling or difficulty walking
- Numbness or tingling
The signs and symptoms listed above may signal a more serious problem.
