What can help
The most effective treatment is usually a canalith repositioning maneuver, which guides the crystals back to their proper location. The best-known is the Epley maneuver.
A healthcare professional can:
- Confirm that BPPV is actually the cause of your dizziness.
- Determine which ear and which canal are affected.
- Perform or teach the correct maneuver.
When to be cautious
Not all vertigo is caused by BPPV. Seek medical evaluation before trying home maneuvers if you have:
- New hearing loss
- Severe headache
- Double vision
- Weakness or numbness
- Difficulty speaking
- Trouble walking
- Recent neck or spine injury
These can indicate conditions other than BPPV.
Reducing vertigo symptoms
While the underlying issue is being treated:
- Move slowly when changing position.
- Sit up for a moment before standing.
- Avoid sudden head movements if they trigger symptoms.
- Stay hydrated.
When to see a doctor
If vertigo is recurrent, lasts more than a few weeks, or is accompanied by other neurological symptoms, it’s important to get evaluated. Other inner-ear disorders such as Ménière’s disease or vestibular neuritis can cause dizziness and require different treatment.
If you describe your symptoms—how long the dizziness lasts, what triggers it, your age, and whether you have hearing changes—I can help you determine whether BPPV sounds likely.
