Doctors Note Logo

Back

Published on: 6/26/2025

How does Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) contribute to feeling off-balance?

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) makes you feel off-balance because it affects your inner ear, which helps you stay steady.

answer background

Explanation

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is a common cause of dizziness and feeling off-balance. It happens when tiny crystals in your inner ear get loose and move around. Your inner ear helps you keep your balance, so when these crystals move, it sends confusing signals to your brain. This can make you feel like the room is spinning or make you feel unsteady.

How BPPV Affects Balance:

  1. Inner Ear Role: The inner ear is like a balance center. It tells your brain how your head is moving.
  2. Loose Crystals: When crystals move in the ear, they make your brain think you are moving when you are not.
  3. Feeling Dizzy: This can make you feel dizzy and off-balance, especially when you move your head quickly.

Who Can Have BPPV?

  • BPPV can happen to anyone, but it is more common in older adults.
  • It's important to talk to a doctor if you feel dizzy often, as there are treatments that can help fix the problem.

Still looking for answers about
your symptoms?

Tell your friends about us.

We would love to help them too.

smily Shiba-inu looking

For First Time Users

What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?

We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.

Was this page helpful?

Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor's Note is a service for informational purposes. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.