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Causes of BPPV

BPPV is one of the more common forms of an ear condition usually referred to as vertigo. With vertigo, the person is unable to maintain their balance and they feel dizzy especially when they move their head. BPPV is a condition that is difficult to diagnose, but it is not life-threatening.

  1. Identification

    • BPPV stands for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and it is that feeling you get when you stand up too fast, or when you quickly move your head side to side. BPPV is a form of vertigo associated with the position of your head during movement, and the effect that position has on your balance. It is characterized by bouts of dizziness and an inability to maintain your balance while moving your head in a particular direction. BPPV is not a serious condition, and your doctor can usually prescribe effective treatment during an office visit.

    Otolith Organs

    • Within the microscopic tubes and canals in your ear are organs referred to as otolith organs, which keep track of the movement of your head and your head's position in reference to the rest of your body. Within these organs are small crystals that are designed to make you sensitive to movement. In certain positions, such as when you are lying down, these crystals can get loose from the otolith organs and become lodged somewhere in the ear canals. This causes the canal to become sensitive to movement and brings on BPPV.

    Infections

    • In some cases, any condition that causes damage or complications to the ear can bring on BPPV. Viral infections in the ear canals known as vestibular neuritis can bring on the symptoms of BPPV, as well as minor strokes that affect the blood vessels in the ear known as AICA syndrome.

    Expert Insight

    • According to the American Hearing Research Foundation, BPPV is more common in people beyond the age of 50 because that is when the vestibular organs in the ear begin to degenerate and cause problems with balance. The most common cause of BPPV in people under the age of 50 is a head injury or some sort of ear trauma.

    Surgical Complications

    • Another cause of BPPV could be related to the actions during surgery on the ear for an unrelated matter. In some instances, the process of being in a horizontal position for a long period of time during ear surgery in addition to the complications that can come from ear surgery, can result in symptoms associated with BPPV. It may take a visit to a ear, nose and throat specialist after the surgery is complete to actually diagnose the BPPV complication.

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