What does dizziness feel like with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo?

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, often called BPPV, can make the room seem to rotate when your head changes position. Episodes often start when rolling in bed, sitting up, bending, or reaching overhead. The strongest spinning may settle quickly, though nausea, imbalance, or a lingering unsettled feeling can remain. Between episodes, you may feel normal or slightly cautious on your feet. Dizziness that is constant, unrelated to head position, or accompanied by neurological symptoms needs a different assessment.

Move slowly and sit down immediately when spinning begins. Keep walkways clear, use support on stairs, and avoid driving or heights until the episodes have been assessed. A clinician or vestibular specialist can examine how your eyes respond to head movement and may offer a repositioning manoeuvre. Do not attempt a manoeuvre from a video if you have neck, back, or blood-vessel problems without professional advice.

Get urgent help for dizziness with new weakness, numbness, facial drooping, trouble speaking, double vision, severe headache, fainting, chest pain, or difficulty walking. Seek prompt review if vomiting prevents fluids, hearing changes appear suddenly, or the spinning is continuous rather than triggered by movement.

Ask whether your symptoms fit BPPV, which side may be affected, and whether a repositioning treatment is suitable. Explain the exact head movements that trigger spinning, how long each spell lasts, and whether hearing or neurological changes occur.