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Published on: 6/26/2025

How does Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) cause sudden dizziness?

BPPV causes sudden dizziness because tiny crystals in your ear move to places they shouldn't be, confusing your balance system.

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Explanation

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is a condition that causes sudden dizziness. This happens because small crystals inside your ear, which help with balance, get dislodged and move into parts of the ear where they shouldn't be. This movement sends mixed signals to your brain, making you feel dizzy or like the room is spinning.

How BPPV Works

  • Crystals in the Ear: Normally, these crystals help you sense movement and balance.
  • Dislodged Crystals: Sometimes, they become loose and move into the wrong part of the ear.
  • Confused Signals: This confuses your brain and causes dizziness, especially when you change positions like getting up or lying down.

According to the provided references, dizziness can appear suddenly and can be very unsettling. It is important to understand that while BPPV can be uncomfortable, it is generally not serious and can often be treated with specific head movements or exercises. These treatments aim to move the crystals back to where they belong.

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