Benign Positional Vertigo: Causes, Triggers, and What Really Helps

When you roll over in bed or look up at a shelf and suddenly feel like the room is spinning, you’re not imagining it. This is benign positional vertigo, a common inner ear disorder that triggers brief but intense episodes of dizziness when head position changes. Also known as BPPV, it’s not dangerous, but it can be terrifying — and it’s one of the most treatable causes of vertigo out there. Unlike dizziness from low blood sugar or anxiety, BPPV has a clear physical cause: tiny calcium crystals in your inner ear get loose and float into the wrong part of your balance system. These crystals, called otoconia, normally help you sense gravity. When they’re out of place, even small head movements send false signals to your brain, making you feel like you’re tumbling.

What makes BPPV so frustrating is how specific the triggers are. It’s not constant dizziness — it hits when you turn your head, bend down, or roll over. Many people mistake it for an ear infection or even a stroke. But if your dizziness lasts less than a minute and only happens with movement, it’s likely BPPV. It’s more common in people over 50, after head injuries, or following inner ear infections. And while stress won’t cause it, it can make the episodes feel worse. The good news? physical therapy techniques, like the Epley maneuver, can reposition those loose crystals in minutes. Also known as canalith repositioning, this isn’t magic — it’s science backed by decades of clinical use. You don’t need surgery, drugs, or long recovery times. Most people feel better after one or two sessions with a trained therapist or even after doing the maneuver correctly at home.

Some of the posts below cover how to recognize the difference between harmless BPPV and something more serious, like a stroke or neurological issue. Others walk you through step-by-step instructions for the Epley maneuver, what to avoid after treatment, and why some people get recurring episodes. You’ll also find advice on how to manage dizziness while waiting for treatment — like sleeping with your head slightly elevated or avoiding quick head turns. There’s even a post on how certain medications can worsen balance issues, which matters if you’re taking blood pressure pills or diuretics. This isn’t about guessing what’s wrong. It’s about knowing exactly what’s happening in your inner ear and what to do next.