What Is Situational Vertigo?

Situational vertigo, also known as positional vertigo or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, is a fairly mild form of vertigo characterized by periodic bouts of dizziness. Though troublesome, it can be treated effectively.

Causes

• Situational vertigo is caused by an imbalance in your inner ear, making you more sensitive to the relative position of your head.

Predisposing Factors

• Situational vertigo often appears in older patients or in those who have suffered an injury to the head.

Symptoms

• In addition to dizziness, situational vertigo is characterized by a loss of balance, blurry vision, nausea and a sense that you are spinning even when you're standing perfectly still.

Treatment

• According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common form of treatment for situational vertigo is a "canalith" repositioning procedure--adjustments of your head intended to reposition your inner ear. In some cases, surgery may be necessary as well.

Precautions

• If you suffer an attack of situational vertigo, stop what you are doing and sit down immediately. Take care when driving or moving around at night lest you injure yourself during a situational vertigo attack.