Why does Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) often cause dizziness and nausea together?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) causes dizziness and nausea because tiny calcium crystals in your inner ear become dislodged and disrupt your balance system. When you move your head, these crystals send confusing signals to your brain, triggering a spinning sensation (vertigo) that can also upset your stomach and cause nausea.

If you're experiencing dizziness, nausea, or balance issues, don't guess what's causing it. Understanding your symptoms is the first step toward relief, and a fast, free tool can help you identify possible causes and know when to see a doctor. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to get personalized insights based on your symptoms and confidently navigate your next steps toward feeling better.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn if dizziness and nausea need care today Discover likely causes of your dizziness and nausea See if your dizziness could be BPPV Find OTC options for dizziness and nausea Find a doctor for dizziness and nausea Explore home remedies for dizziness and nausea Understand what your dizziness and nausea mean

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Explanation

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) often causes dizziness and nausea because of how it affects the inner ear, which is important for balance. When tiny crystals in the inner ear move out of place, they can send mixed signals to the brain about your body's position. This can make you feel like you are spinning or moving, even when you are not.

Why Dizziness Happens:

The inner ear helps you keep your balance. When it gets confused, you feel dizzy.

Why Nausea Happens:

Your brain gets mixed signals from your eyes and ears. This can upset your stomach, making you feel nauseous.

BPPV is common and usually not serious, but it can be uncomfortable. Understanding that it comes from the inner ear can help explain why you feel dizzy and sick at the same time. If these feelings bother you a lot, you can check your symptoms with our free AI-powered tool to better understand what might be causing your discomfort and when you should seek medical care.

(References)

Whitman GT. (2018). Dizziness. The American journal of medicine, 29859806.
Chimirri S, Aiello R, Mazzitello C, Mumoli L, Palleria C, Altomonte M, et al. (2013). Vertigo/dizziness as a Drugs' adverse reaction. Journal of pharmacology & pharmacotherapeutics, 24347974.
Muncie HL, Sirmans SM, & James E. (2017). Dizziness: Approach to Evaluation and Management. American family physician, 28145669.

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