Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is a common inner-ear disorder that causes brief episodes of spinning dizziness (vertigo). It happens when tiny calcium crystals (otoconia) that normally sit in the utricle become dislodged and move into one of the semicircular canals. When you change head position—such as rolling over in bed, looking up, or bending down—these crystals shift and send false signals to the brain, triggering vertigo.

Key points:

• Benign: Not life-threatening
• Paroxysmal: Sudden, short episodes
• Positional: Triggered by head movements
• Symptoms: Brief vertigo (seconds to less than 1 minute), nausea, imbalance; hearing is usually normal

Treatment: Often resolved with specific head-movement maneuvers (e.g., canalith repositioning), which guide the crystals back to where they belong