Vertigo is the sensation of spinning when you are not moving. There are several causes of vertigo, but one common cause with increasing age is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).

BPPV is almost always triggered by a change in your head’s position. Some people may notice symptoms when lying down or sitting up in bed. Others might notice symptoms when they tilt their head back or to the side. These symptoms often worsen with age due to normal wear and tear of the inner ear structures.

How common is BPPV?

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is the most common inner ear disorder. In fact, approximately 20% of people who are evaluated for dizziness are diagnosed with BPPV.

Is BPPV permanent?

BPPV usually goes away on its own. However, until it’s successfully treated, it can come back. In some cases, months — or even years — go by before another episode occurs.

Treatment

Fortunately, certain exercises, such as the Epley manoeuvre, which can be performed by your doctor, have a >80% success rate. The goal of these exercises is to move the calcium carbonate particles out of your semicircular canals and back into your utricle.

In certain cases, vertigo can resolve spontaneously, but it may recur. A modified Epley manoeuvre can be performed by the patient at home.

It is important for elderly patients experiencing a persistent episode of vertigo that is not related to posture or head tilt, and who are unable to walk in a straight line, to see their personal doctor to rule out a cerebellar stroke.