What are the symptoms of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo?

The room may seem to spin when you roll over in bed, sit up, look upward, bend down or turn your head. Episodes are usually brief and settle when the head stays still, although imbalance can linger between episodes. Nausea is common, and some people feel anxious about moving. BPPV affects the balance sensors in the inner ear; it does not usually cause hearing loss, ringing in the ears, weakness or speech trouble. Other causes of dizziness can feel similar, so the pattern needs assessment.

Move slowly during an episode, sit down until the spinning settles, and reduce fall hazards around your home. Arrange a GP consultation if symptoms are new, recurrent or interfering with walking, sleep or daily tasks. A clinician may use positional testing to assess the pattern. The Epley manoeuvre can treat some BPPV patterns, but it should be selected and performed safely for your symptoms.

Seek emergency help for dizziness or vertigo with new weakness, facial drooping, trouble speaking, severe headache, double vision, chest pain, fainting, inability to walk or persistent vomiting. These features are not typical of uncomplicated BPPV and need urgent assessment.

Which movements trigger my symptoms? Could this be another cause of dizziness? Is positional testing suitable for me? Would an Epley manoeuvre help? How can I reduce my risk of falling during an episode?