BPPV Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is an inner ear problem that causes short periods of vertigo when your head is moved in certain positions. It occurs most commonly when lying down, turning over in bed, and looking up. Even though you are still, you may feel like you are moving, or that the room is moving around you. You may also experience nausea, vomiting, sweating, and abnormal eye movements. If the vertigo is accompanied by double vision, difficulty speaking, a change in alertness, arm/leg weakness, or an inability to walk. BPPV occurs when small crystals of calcium carbonate, commonly referred to as rocks, in our inner ear break loose and fall into another area within the balance canals. The crystals may break loose for many reasons following an inner ear infection, fever, concussion, or whiplash injury. BPPV can also occur along with other diagnoses of the inner ear such as Meniere’s disease, migraines; or, it has been suggested that it is part of the “normal” aging process Most people (about 85%) recover from specific neck maneuvers, performed by their physician or physical therapist, which are designed to move the crystals back into place. Research shows that the repositioning maneuver works on the first effort, 80-90% of the time. After the treatment is complete, you may feel nauseous, dizzy, or have more trouble balancing than before. This can last for several hours. Avoid dangerous activity and follow the instructions given to you by the physician.