Published on: 6/26/2025
Why does Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) often cause dizziness and nausea together?
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) causes dizziness and nausea because it affects the balance system in your inner ear, which can make your brain feel confused and upset your stomach.
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, a doctor can help find ways to make it better.
(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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