Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is caused when
things like infection or inflammation stop the tiny calcium "stones" inside the
inner ear from moving as they should. This sends a false message to the brain
and affects a person's balance.
The tiny stones inside the inner
ear canals help a person maintain balance. Normally, for certain movements,
such as when standing up or turning the head, these stones move around. When
this normal movement is blocked, BPPV can occur.
Vertigo that
lasts less than a minute is the main symptom of BPPV. The vertigo is triggered
by a certain head movement.
Treatment usually involves a series of
head movements to move the debris in the inner ear to a place where it does not
affect balance. BPPV may briefly go away but can return without warning.
Avoiding the positions that cause vertigo may prevent symptoms.
