Why does benign paroxysmal positional vertigo cause dizziness?

The inner ear contains fluid-filled canals that help the brain sense head movement. In BPPV, small calcium particles that belong elsewhere can shift into one of these canals. Rolling over in bed, looking up, bending down, or getting up can move the particles and briefly create a false sense that you are spinning.

Dizziness is a very common presentation of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo. The episodes are often linked to a particular head movement and may settle once the head is still, but dizziness has many possible causes and needs assessment when the pattern is unclear.

Move slowly when getting out of bed and sit on the edge of the bed until the spinning settles. Use a handrail on stairs, avoid ladders and driving while dizzy, and ask someone to help if you feel unsteady. A clinician can perform positional tests and may guide a repositioning manoeuvre intended to move the particles out of the canal.

Do not repeatedly provoke severe spinning at home without instruction. Record which head position triggers symptoms, how long they last, and whether nausea, hearing changes, or headache occur.

Call emergency services for dizziness with new facial droop, arm or leg weakness, trouble speaking, double vision, severe headache, fainting, chest pain, or inability to walk safely. Seek prompt medical advice if dizziness is continuous, follows a head injury, comes with new hearing loss, or differs from previous position-triggered episodes.

Ask whether your pattern fits BPPV, which ear and canal may be involved, whether a repositioning manoeuvre is appropriate, and when it is safe to resume driving or work at heights. Mention medicines, migraine symptoms, ear symptoms, and recent injuries.