Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)

Overview

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common and harmless form of dizziness. Patients suffer from brief episodes of movement-related dizziness, which can be accompanied by nausea and/or vomiting. There are various movements and exercises that can bring relief or solve the problem.

Symptoms

• Sudden onset of severe dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting

Dizziness often occurs when you turn in bed, get up in the morning, hang up washing or bend over.

Causes and treatment

Cause

• A “small stone” in the inner ear canal becomes dislodged (affecting the balance system)
  • Often triggered by sudden movements such as turning, etc.

Further treatment by your doctor / in hospital

Possible tests

• What is known as the Hallpike manoeuvre (dizziness is provoked by a sudden movement of the head)
• Caloric test (water of different temperatures is irrigated into the ear canal)

Possible therapies

• Relief movements and exercises (Epley, Semont, etc.)
• An exact sequence of movements helps to return the “small stone” to its original location
  

What can I do myself?

• For frequent attacks of dizziness, relief movements and exercises in accordance with instructions can be done at home

When to see a doctor?

Dizziness accompanied by:

• Double vision or loss of sight
• Weakness in the arms or legs
• Difficulty speaking
• Difficulty walking
• Numbness in arms/legs