Benign Positional Vertigo

Benign Positional Vertigo

Benign positional vertigo is an inner ear problem that causes short episodes of severe vertigo. Vertigo is dizziness or the sensation that the room is spinning. The vertigo occurs when the person moves their head in the direction of the affected ear. The vertigo lasts for less than 15 seconds. Nausea may accompany the episodes of vertigo.

Benign positional vertigo begins after a head injury or a severe cold. It can also develop as part of the aging process. The cause of benign positional vertigo is loose particles of calcium carbonate in the semicircular canals of the inner ear. When these particles strike against sensitive nerve endings, the person experiences vertigo.

A skilled doctor may be able to cure benign positional vertigo without the use of medication. Performing specific maneuvers of the head and torso can cure this disorder. These are canalith-repositioning procedures, called the Epley maneuver.

The goal of the Epley maneuver is to move loose particles out of the semicircular canals of the ear affected by benign positional vertigo. After the Epley maneuver, the patient may need to keep their head upright for 24 hours. If left untreated, benign positional vertigo usually disappears within a few weeks.