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Benign positional vertigo

Definition:

Benign positional vertigo causes sudden sensations of spinning, typically provoked by head movement.

Alternative Names:

Vertigo - positional

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Benign positional vertigo is the most common cause of vertigo. It is caused by a disturbance within the balance organs of the inner ear. The inner ear has tiny stones that move as you change position, allowing your brain to interpret your body's position and maintain your balance. In benign positional vertigo, these stones break off and float free within the semicircular canals of the inner ear. This may happen in one ear more than another, sending the brain confusing messages about your body's position. The result is vertigo.

There are no major risk factors that make you more likely to get benign positional vertigo, although it may be partly hereditary. Also, a prior head injury or an infection of the balance organs (labyrinthitis) may make some people more likely to get benign positional vertigo.

References:

Cummings CW, Flint PW, Haughey BH, et al. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 4th ed. St Louis, Mo; Mosby; 2005:3226.

Rakel P, ed. Conn ’s Current Therapy 2005 . 57th ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders; 2005:226-227.

Goldman L, Ausiello D. Cecil Textbook of Medicine , 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders; 2004:240-241.

Review Date: 10/17/2005
Reviewed By: Kevin Sheth, M.D., Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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