Doctor's Notes on Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
(BPPV)
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is a form of vertigo, which is a spinning sensation. BPPV is a result of a problem with the balance center (vestibular system) in the inner ear. The spinning sensation or dizziness from benign paroxysmal positional vertigo usually only lasts a short time and gets worse when the head position changes. The vertigo is intermittent and comes and goes, and it is not associated with any specific illness. Known causes of BPPV include viral infections, nerve inflammation, complications resulting from ear surgery, and side effects of medications. In about half the cases of BPPV, the cause is unknown.
Symptoms of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo include a spinning sensation, problems with balance, falling, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, and involuntary eye movements (nystagmus).
Vertigo and Balance Disorders : Test Your Medical IQ Quiz

What is vertigo?
See AnswerMust Read Articles:
-
Labyrinthitis
Labyrinthitis means an inflammation of the inner ear structure called the labyrinth. Sometimes the term labyrinthitis refers to other causes of inner ear problems that have no inflammation. -
Meniere's Disease
Meniere's disease is a syndrome in which you experience episodes of: spinning vertigo (sense of the room spinning), hearing loss, and tinnitus (ringing in the ear). -
Tinnitus (Ringing, Clicking, in the Ears)
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) is a cause for hearing loss. Tinnitus also can be caused by ear infections, exposure to loud noises, Meniere's disease, medications, brain tumors, TMJ, and other medical conditions. Treatment for tinnitus depends upon the cause. -
Vertigo
Vertigo, a feeling or perception that the environment around you is moving or spinning can be caused by inner ear inflammation, Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, Meniere's disease, migraine, tumor, head trauma, or multiple sclerosis. Typical symptoms of true vertigo include nausea, sweating, vomiting, and abnormal eye movements. Treatment depends upon the cause of vertigo.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.