Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo: Meaning, Diagnosis and Overview

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What is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo?

BPPV is a disorder arising in the inner ear. Repeated episode of positional vertigo is the main symptom. Vertigo is described as feeling like you are turning around when you are standing still; the experience is similar to how you feel when on spinning on a playground roundabout. It affects only one ear.
Other names for BPPV include Benign Postural Vertigo, Positional Vertigo and Top Shelf Vertigo (because you get dizzy looking up).
  • Benign means it is neither serious nor life threatening.
  • Paroxysmal means recurring sudden episodes of symptoms.
  • Positional means symptoms are triggered by positions.
  • Vertigo means dizziness, spinning sensation.
BPPV Overview

Recovery Time

Recovery depends on the treatment provided. If it is cured by normal medication and exercises it takes few days for the recovery. If the patient had undergone surgery then it may take few weeks, but the recovery is rapid.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis includes physical examination and some tests like
  • Dix-Hallpike manoeuvre test
  • Roll test
  • Ear tests(hearing test)
  • Electronystagmography (ENG)
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
BPPV

FAQs prepared by doctor

Q1.  What is BPPV?
BPPV is the sudden onset of vertigo due to disturbance in the equilibrium system of the inner ear. It can be triggered by various factors such as cold weather, otolith or hypersensitivity of the equilibrium system.  As the name suggest the condition is benign and does not have serious consequences.

Q2.  How do I get BPPV?
Most of the time BPPV occurs without any certain cause.  It can be triggered by various factors such as cold weather, otolith or hypersensitivity of the equilibrium system.

Q3.  What is the treatment for BPPV?
BPPV is treated with medication to control the acute symptoms. Eppley’s mannure can be employed if the vertigo is thought to be due to otolith.

Q4.  How long does it take to cure? And is there any chance of recurrence?
People usually recover within 3-5 days.

Q5.  How do I prevent BPPV?
There are no specific measures to prevent BPPV as the cause is not certain.

Q6.  What are the complications of BPPV? 
As the name suggest the condition is benign and does not have serious consequences other than discomfort.


Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo: Symptom and Causes

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo: Treatment, Diet and Home Remedies

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo: Prevention and Complications



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