Vertigo

Vertigo is a catch-all term for a sensation of whirling and loss of balance. The most common cause of vertigo is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). (1-4) It is characterized by brief episodes of dizziness, nausea and/or nystagmus triggered by head movement. (5) Risk factors for BPPV are sedentary lifestyle, diabetes mellitus, hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycemia, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, osteoporosis, and vitamin D deficiency. (6,7) BPPV comes from when a particle from one part of the inner ear dislodges and moves into another part. 


Traditional BPPV hase episodes of rotary vertigo that last 10-20 seconds following head position changes. (5) These position changes can come from rolling in bed, standing up, bending over or just looking in a different direction. 


Treatment for BPPV consists of repositioning maneuvers used to guide the particle back into its rightful place. These are to be started in the office and continued at home. Patients may need to make temporary alterations to positions of sleep or work to prevent recurrence. 

If you have an issue that you would like some guidance with, give us a call at (616) 301-1702.


  1. Teixido M, Woods O, Kung B, Seyyedi M. A 3D benign paroxysmal positional vertigo model for study of otolith disease. World journal of otorhinolaryngology-head and neck surgery. 2016 Mar 1;2(1):1-6.

  2. Fife TD. von Brevern M. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo in the acute care setting. Neurologic clinics. 2015 Aug 1;33(3)601-17

  3. Brandt T. Vertigo: its multisensory syndromes. London: Springer; 199 503p. 

  4. Haybach PJ, Underwood JL. BPPV: what you need to know. Vestibular DIsorders Association; 2000. 

  5. Caldas MA, Gananca CF, Gananca FF, Gananca MM, Caovilla HH. Clinical features of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Brazilian journal of otorhinolaryngology. 2009. Aug;75(4):502-6

  6. Pereira CB, Scaff M Vertigem de posicionamento paroxistica benigna. Arq Neuropsiquiatr. 2001;59(2-B):466-70

  7. Webster G, Sens PM, Salmito MC, Cavalcante JD, Santos PR, Silca AL, Souza EC, Hyperinsulinemia and hyperglycemia: risk factors for recurrence of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Brazilian journal of otorhinolaryngology. 2015 Aug;81(4):347-51