ear, nose, and throat disorders
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
Introduction
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common disorder causing short episodes of vertigo (a false sensation of moving or spinning) in response to changes in head position that stimulate the posterior semicircular canal of the inner ear. People briefly (usually for less than a minute) feel as if they or their surroundings are moving or spinning when they move their head. People may also feel nauseated and vomit, and their eyes may move abnormally. Doctors base the diagnosis on symptoms and the situations in which they occur and results of a physical examination. The Epley maneuver, done once or twice, relieves symptoms in most people. People with Dizziness and Vertigo have a false sensation that they, their surroundings, or both are moving or spinning. Most people describe this unpleasant feeling as "dizziness," although people often also use the word "dizzy" for other sensations, such as being light-headed. "Positional" vertigo means that the vertigo occurs when people change position, for example, laying down in bed and turning their head. "Benign" means that the disorder is not dangerous. BPPV affects people increasingly as they age and can severely affect balance in older people, which may lead to Falls in Older Adults and possibly injuries. Sometimes BPPV occurs after (See also Overview of the Inner Ear .) 