Benign paroxysmal vertigo
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is a common inner ear problem that causes short, sudden episodes of feeling like the room is spinning.
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Your inner ear contains tiny, calcium-based crystals that help your body sense balance. Sometimes, these crystals become dislodged and drift into the wrong part of the inner ear, specifically the semicircular canals, which are fluid-filled tubes that detect head movement.
When you move your head, these stray crystals shift around. This sends confusing, false signals to your brain that you are spinning, even when you are perfectly still. This creates the intense sensation of vertigo, which is a feeling of dizziness or lightheadedness.
Common Symptoms
- A sudden feeling that you or the room is spinning, often called vertigo.
- Dizziness or feeling lightheaded.
- A brief loss of balance or feeling unsteady when standing or walking.
- Nausea or the feeling that you might throw up.
- Vomiting in some cases.
- Involuntary, jerky eye movements, known as nystagmus.