Published on: 6/26/2025
Does Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) cause dizziness when looking both up and down?
Yes, BPPV can cause dizziness when looking both up and down due to changes in head position affecting the inner ear.
Explanation
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is a common cause of dizziness that happens when you move your head in certain ways. It occurs because tiny crystals in your ear canals become dislodged and move around, which can confuse your balance system.
Symptoms:
- Dizziness: This often happens when you look up or down, lie down, or roll over in bed.
- Vertigo: A spinning sensation that can last a few seconds to a minute.
Why it Happens:
- Head Movements: Looking up or down can cause these crystals to shift, leading to dizziness.
Treatment:
- Repositioning Maneuvers: Specific head movements can help move the crystals back to where they belong, reducing symptoms.
If you experience these symptoms, it is important to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. They can perform tests to confirm BPPV and guide you through exercises to alleviate the dizziness.
(References)
- Bhattacharyya N, Gubbels SP, Schwartz SR, Edlow JA, El-Kashlan H, Fife T, et al. (2017). Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (Update). Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, 28248609.
- Ling X, Li KZ, Shen B, Si LH, Hong Y, & Yang X. (2018). Diagnosis and treatment of anterior canal benign .... International journal of audiology, 30318958.
- Choo OS, Kim H, Jang JH, Park HY, & Choung YH. (2020). Vertical Nystagmus in the Bow and Lean Test may Indicate .... Scientific reports, 32300206.
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