Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

Call 911 or other emergency services immediately if you have Reference vertigo (a spinning sensation) and:

• You passed out (lost consciousness).
• You have symptoms of a stroke, such as:
  • Sudden numbness, tingling, weakness, or loss of movement in your face, arm, or leg, especially on only one side of your body.
  • Sudden vision changes.
  • Sudden trouble speaking.
  • Sudden confusion or trouble understanding simple statements.
  • Sudden problems with walking or balance.
  • A sudden, severe headache that is different from past headaches.
• You have chest pain.
• You have a headache, especially if you also have a stiff neck and fever.
• You have sudden hearing loss.
• You have numbness or tingling that does not go away, anywhere on your body.
• You have vomiting that doesn't stop.
• You had a recent head injury.

Call your doctor now or seek immediate care if:

• You have an attack of vertigo that is different from those you have had before or from what your doctor told you to expect.
• You need medicine to control nausea and vomiting caused by severe vertigo.

Call your doctor to schedule an appointment if:

• This is the first time you have had an attack of vertigo.
• You have a low-pitched roaring, ringing, or hissing sound in your ear, especially if you have not had this before. This is called Reference tinnitus Opens New Window.
• You have frequent or severe episodes of vertigo that interfere with your activities.

Watchful waiting

If your symptoms suggest benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), watchful waiting may be appropriate. Over time BPPV may go away on its own. But treatment with a simple procedure in your doctor's office (either the Epley or Semont maneuver) can usually stop your vertigo right away. Talk to your doctor. If your vertigo interferes with your normal daily activities or causes nausea and vomiting, you may need treatment.

Who to see

The following health professionals are able to diagnose and treat BPPV and the causes of vertigo:

• Reference Family doctor Opens New Window
• Reference General practitioner Opens New Window
• Reference Physician assistant Opens New Window
• Reference Nurse practitioner Opens New Window
• Reference Internist Opens New Window
• Reference Otolaryngologist Opens New Window
• Reference Neurologist Opens New Window

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Reference Making the Most of Your Appointment.

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.