What to expect from a GP consultation for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

Describe whether the room spins, how long each episode lasts, and which movement brings it on, such as rolling in bed, looking up, or standing. Mention nausea, hearing change, ringing in the ears, headache, recent head injury, and new medicines. The GP may observe your eye movements, walking, coordination, strength, and sensation. A positional manoeuvre may be used to reproduce symptoms and look for a characteristic eye movement.

Write down triggers, episode pattern, falls or near-falls, and any vomiting. Arrange support for travel if turning your head makes you dizzy. The GP may explain a canalith repositioning manoeuvre or arrange referral to a clinician trained to perform it. Follow instructions about sitting or lying down safely, and avoid driving, ladders, or bathing alone while attacks make balance unreliable. Do not perform a manoeuvre without guidance if you have neck or back problems.

Seek emergency help if dizziness begins with facial drooping, weakness, numbness, trouble speaking, double vision, severe headache, fainting, chest pain, or inability to walk. Seek prompt medical advice for new hearing loss, persistent vomiting, fever, or dizziness that is continuous rather than brief and movement-triggered.

Ask whether your symptom pattern fits BPPV, which side is affected, whether a repositioning manoeuvre is suitable, and what to do if symptoms return. Check when you can safely drive, how to reduce fall risk, and whether another cause should be investigated.