What is BPPV?

Lance F. Greer

Au.D.

Advanced Hearing & Balance Specialists

BPPV stands for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo. It is a common vestibular disorder that causes brief episodes of dizziness or vertigo triggered by changes in head position. BPPV occurs when tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear become dislodged and migrate into the fluid-filled canals responsible for detecting head movement. This displacement leads to abnormal signals being sent to the brain, resulting in a sensation of spinning or loss of balance. BPPV can usually be diagnosed through a physical examination and is often treated with specific head and body movements called canalith repositioning procedures to reposition the crystals and alleviate symptoms.