Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is a problem with the inner ear.
It is the most common cause of vertigo, which is a feeling of spinning or moving in the wrong direction.
Signs and symptoms of Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo may include:
- Dizziness
- Feeling like you or your surroundings are spinning or moving (vertigo)
- Loss of balance or instability
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Signs and symptoms of Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo 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.
Activities that cause signs and symptoms of Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo can vary from person to person, but are almost always caused by a change in head position. Some people also feel off-balance when standing or walking.
Rhythmic eye movements are often associated with symptoms of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.
What measures can help control benign paroxysmal positional vertigo at home?
If you have vertigo related to Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, consider using the following measures for the best treatment and control:
- Epley maneuver
- Semi-rotational maneuver
- Semont maneuver
- Brandt-Daroff maneuver
- Avoid movements such as looking up that may trigger symptoms.
- Sit down as soon as 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.
Once your symptoms go away, you do not need to continue doing these movements. You should sleep with your head elevated at night to avoid tilting your neck back.
You only need to do these movements a few times for the symptoms to subside. If symptoms persist, please follow up with your healthcare provider as you may have another condition causing dizziness.
