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Symptoms of Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

Paroxysmal positional vertigo, also known as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, is actually a disorder, usually involving the structure of the inner ear that can cause a person to suffer from vertigo. The sensation is usually brought on by a sudden or abrupt change in the position of a person's head, according to the Mayo Clinic. It may occur when someone turns his head too quickly, bends down to pick something up or even takes a seat in a chair. No matter what prompts a person to experience vertigo, it will produce some very distinct and often uncomfortable symptoms.

  1. Vertigo

    • The most common symptom of paroxysmal positional vertigo will involve some level of vertigo itself. For most people, this sensation is best described as a feeling or appearance that the room and everything in it is moving, shifting or rotating around them. For others, it will feel like the opposite, where they themselves are moving, shifting or rotating within a room.

    Dizziness

    • When the vertigo hits, no matter how it is felt, the sensation will usually cause a person to suffer from a certain amount of dizziness, lightheadedness or wooziness. Often times, these sensations will cause the individual to stop what he is doing and try to steady himself before continuing on with an activity. Most of the time, these sensations will only last for a period of seconds, but they can vary in intensity from person to person.

    Balance

    • Unsteadiness, shakiness or loss of balance can also be symptoms of paroxysmal positional vertigo. As soon as the vertigo is felt, some people will feel a sudden and strong feeling that can cause them to lose their balance and even fall.

    Nausea

    • It isn't uncommon for a person suffering from paroxysmal positional vertigo to experience some nausea or queasiness after a sudden shift in the positioning of the head. Alhough the nausea may only last a brief period of time, it can cause some individuals to vomit.

    Visual Disturbance

    • Many times, a quick turn or rotation of the head can prompt a visual disturbance. While not all people with paroxysmal positional vertigo will experience this symptom, those who do can find their vision becoming momentarily blurred or doubled.

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