If your vertigo is caused by displaced inner ear crystals, the condition is called Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Tiny calcium carbonate crystals move into the wrong part of the inner ear, causing brief episodes of dizziness when you change head position.
Symptoms of BPPV
- Brief episodes of spinning (usually less than 1 minute)
- Triggered by rolling over in bed, looking up, or bending down
- Nausea may occur
- Usually no hearing loss or ringing in the ears
How it’s treated
The most effective treatment is a series of head and body movements called canalith repositioning maneuvers, which guide the crystals back to where they belong. The best-known is the Epley maneuver, but the correct maneuver depends on which ear and which part of the inner ear is affected.
Many people improve after one or a few treatments, especially when the maneuver is performed or guided by a trained healthcare professional.
What you can do
- If you’ve been diagnosed with BPPV before and recognize the same symptoms, your healthcare provider may teach you how to perform the appropriate maneuver safely at home.
- Move carefully during an episode to reduce the risk of falling.
- Stay hydrated and avoid driving or climbing until the dizziness has resolved.
When to seek medical care urgently
Vertigo is not always caused by ear crystals. Seek immediate medical attention if dizziness is accompanied by:
- Sudden weakness or numbness on one side
- Difficulty speaking
- Double vision
- Severe headache
- Chest pain
- Loss of consciousness
- Difficulty walking that doesn’t improve
You should also see a healthcare professional if:
- This is your first episode of severe vertigo.
- Symptoms last for hours rather than brief attacks.
- You have hearing loss, persistent ringing in one ear, or ear pain.
- The vertigo keeps recurring or isn’t improving.
It’s important not to assume all vertigo is caused by “ear crystals.” While BPPV is one of the most common causes, dizziness can also result from inner ear infections, Ménière’s disease, migraine, medication side effects, low blood pressure, or, less commonly, neurological conditions such as a stroke. A healthcare professional can determine the cause and recommend the appropriate treatment.
