Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) occurs when special cystals which belong in one's otolith organs (in side of the ear) become dislodged and make their way into a different part of the ear, the semicircular canals. This makes one's head sensitive to movement, even when one is at rest. For this reason, subjects experience dizziness and vertigo. BPPV occurs most frequently amongst people 60 and over. It also may result from a major head trauma. There are a variety of procedures which all aim at getting the crystals back where they belong.