What Is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo? UPMC

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, also known as BPPV, is the most common cause of vertigo. This condition can lead to sudden, brief spells of dizziness, triggered by certain movements or head positions.

BPPV is a problem of the inner ear. It occurs when calcium carbonate crystals within the ear become dislodged and move to the semicircular canals, where they aren’t supposed to be.

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Physical therapists at UPMC Rehabilitation Institute can treat BPPV through a series of guided head movements. Medication may help lessen nausea and dizziness associated with BPPV but will not solve the underlying problem.

BPPV can happen as a result of trauma, disease, inner ear infection, intubation, and more.

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Editor's Note: This video was originally published on , and was last reviewed on .

About UPMC Rehabilitation Institute

The UPMC Rehabilitation Institute offers inpatient, outpatient, and transitional rehabilitation, as well as outpatient physician services so that care is available to meet the needs of our patients at each phase of the recovery process. Renowned physiatrists from the University of Pittsburgh Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, as well as highly trained physical, occupational, and speech therapists, provide individualized care in 12 inpatient units within acute care hospitals and over 80 outpatient locations close to home and work.