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Benign positional vertigo

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Vertigo - positional

Treatment:

The most effective treatment is a procedure called "Epley's maneuver", which can reposition the stones inside your inner ear. There are other exercises that can readjust your response to head movements. Occasionally, medications such as antihistamines, anticholinergics, and sedative-hypnotics may be prescribed to reduce the symptoms of vertigo, although these are often minimally effective.

Expectations (prognosis):

Benign positional vertigo is uncomfortable, but it is not medically dangerous, and usually improves with time. This condition may re-occur unpredictably.

Complications:

Patients with severe vertigo may get dehydrated due to frequent vomiting.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if vertigo develops that has not been evaluated or if treatment is ineffective. Also call if you develop any associated symptoms (such as weakness, slurred speech, visual problems) that may indicate a more serious condition.

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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