If you experience brief episodes of dizziness when you roll over in bed, look up, bend over, or change positions, you may have a condition called Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV).
BPPV is one of the most common causes of vertigo. It occurs when tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear become dislodged and move into an area where they interfere with balance signals being sent to the brain.
Common symptoms include:
- A spinning sensation when changing position
- Dizziness when rolling over in bed
- Feeling off balance
- Nausea
- Symptoms that last seconds to minutes rather than all day
The good news is that BPPV can often be corrected with a series of head and body movements designed to move the crystals back where they belong. These techniques are known as repositioning maneuvers, the most common being the Epley maneuver.
There are many excellent videos online that demonstrate these techniques. If you suspect BPPV, it is important to discuss your symptoms with a healthcare provider to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes of dizziness.
Not all vertigo is caused by BPPV. Inner ear infections, Ménière’s disease, migraines, medication side effects, low blood sugar, and other conditions can also cause dizziness and balance problems.
