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Otolaryngology Educational Materials

Benign Positional Vertigo (BPV)

Benign = not a serious disease

Positional = occurs when the head is in certain positions

Vertigo = spinning, whirling, dizzy sensation

BPV is a condition of the inner ear. Tiny particles, like sand, float or land on a part of the inner ear that sends the system off balance. BPV can be caused by head trauma, ear surgery, chronic ear infection or ageing.

BPV is NOT a heart attack, stroke or brain damage.

BPV often resolves itself without any treatment.

Dizziness usually occurs when:
- you roll over in bed
- you turn your head suddenly in a specific direction
- you lie down
- you sit up or lean forward

Testing for BPV:
1) Positional Testing - your head is placed in the position that normally causes your dizziness and your eyes are observed for movement.
2) A hearing test may be performed.
3) An ENG balance test may be performed.

Medications for BPV:
There is no medication available that will cure BPV. The medications usually prescribed for BPV are used to reduce the severity of the dizziness only.

Particle Re-Positioning Manoeuver
This is a manoeuver performed by a trained health care provider in the clinic and takes about 7 minutes. It attempts to re-position the particle in your inner ear that may be causing your symptoms.

You may be required to return in 3-4 months to have the manoeuver repeated.

IMPORTANT:
Self Care After Your Appointment

For the rest of today:
Avoid sudden head movements
Avoid heavy lifting
Avoid extensive housework
Avoid bending over or turning your head quickly

Tonight only:
Sleep at a 45 degree angle for 1 night
- a lazy boy chair is perfect for this or
- prop yourself up in bed with pillows

One Week After Your Appointment:
Call the ENT clinic to let us know how you are doing. (Hotel Dieu Hospital ENT Clinic 613-544-3400 ext. 3601)

Pamphlet Created by Hannah Varto
Nursing Student, Queen's University
Approved by ENT Clinic, Hotel Dieu Hospital
Kingston, Ontario
March 2001

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Revised: February 15, 2002

 

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