How to Identify Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is a rather harmless condition, but it can cause extreme discomfort. It's characterized by a feeling that the room is spinning. People who have this condition will notice it when they change from a sitting or standing position or when they go from standing to lying down or vice versa. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is one of the most common causes of vertigo.

Instructions

How to Identify Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

• 1

  Understand what it feels like to have this condition. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is characterized by a feeling of lightheadedness, unsteadiness, a loss of balance, a sense that you or your surroundings are spinning, a feeling of dizziness, nausea or vomiting.

• 2

  Know when to see a doctor about your condition. You should get checked out if your dizziness lasts longer than two weeks. Also, you will need medical help if your symptoms are accompanied by a severe headache, a fever of 101 degrees or higher, double vision or loss of vision, hearing loss, trouble speaking, weakness in the arms or legs, loss of consciousness, numbness or tingling sensations, or chest pains or a slow heart rate.

• 3

  Be aware of other problems benign paroxysmal positional vertigo can cause. Severe cases can cause constant vomiting which can lead to dehydration. Also the dizziness and spinning sensation can potentially cause injuries due to the increased risk of falling.