Benign Positional Vertigo: Explained by an Internal Medicine Physician in Georgetown TX
- Dr. Mohammad Al Darawsha MD
- Jun 6, 2025
- 3 min read
What Is Benign Positional Vertigo?
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is a common inner ear disorder that causes sudden spinning sensations triggered by specific head movements. You might feel dizzy when rolling over in bed, looking up, or bending forward.
Though it feels intense, BPPV is not dangerous. An experienced internal medicine physician in Georgetown TX can diagnose and treat it quickly—often in the same visit.
What Causes BPPV?
In your inner ear, there are tiny crystals (called otoconia) that help you maintain balance. When these crystals get dislodged and move into the wrong part of the ear canal, they disrupt the signals your brain receives about movement and balance—leading to vertigo.
Common causes include:
Aging (most common)
Head injury
Inner ear inflammation or infection
Long periods of lying down or inactivity
Sometimes, no identifiable cause
Symptoms of BPPV
Sudden spinning or swaying sensation
Dizziness that lasts seconds to one minute
Nausea or unsteadiness
Trouble walking straight
Worsens when lying down, turning in bed, or tilting the head
A family doctor near you or primary care provider can often reproduce the symptoms in the office to confirm the diagnosis.
Who’s at Risk?
Adults over age 50
People recovering from surgery or extended bed rest
Women (slightly more affected than men)
Those with previous ear problems or concussions
Seniors with balance concerns
If you live in Georgetown, Texas, your local internal medicine physician can provide personalized care tailored to your needs.
Pathophysiology: What’s Happening in the Ear?
The otoconia crystals normally sit in a part of the ear called the utricle. When they fall into the semicircular canals, they interfere with the normal flow of fluid that senses head position. This leads to brief, intense vertigo episodes when you change position.
Lifestyle Tips to Prevent Flares by your Internal Medicine Physician in Georgetown TX
Sleep with your head slightly elevated
Avoid sudden changes in head position
Get up slowly from bed
Do balance exercises (like tai chi or yoga)
Stay hydrated and well-rested
Follow up with your primary care physician Georgetown TX regularly
Treatment Options for BPPV
The most effective treatment is a series of head movements called the Epley maneuver, which your provider can perform in-office. It guides the crystals back to their proper place.
Other helpful options:
Vestibular physical therapy
Anti-nausea medications (short term)
Home-based repositioning exercises
Most patients improve within days of starting treatment from an experienced internal medicine doctor near you.
Top 10 FAQs About Benign Positional Vertigo
❓ 1. What is the main cause of BPPV?
Usually age-related wear in the inner ear, or head trauma.
❓ 2. Is BPPV dangerous?
No. It can be very uncomfortable but is not life-threatening.
❓ 3. Can BPPV go away on its own?
Yes, but it may return. Treatment helps resolve it faster and reduce recurrences.
❓ 4. Can I treat it at home?
You can try home Epley maneuvers, but it’s best to consult a doctor first for diagnosis.
❓ 5. Does BPPV affect hearing?
No. It only causes balance-related symptoms, not hearing loss.
❓ 6. Is it a sign of stroke?
BPPV itself is not a stroke. However, sudden dizziness should be evaluated to rule out serious causes.
❓ 7. What kind of doctor should I see?
An internal medicine physician in Georgetown TX or a family practice doctor can handle most cases without referral.
❓ 8. How is BPPV diagnosed?
Through a bedside test called the Dix-Hallpike maneuver that triggers vertigo and eye movements.
❓ 9. What if it keeps coming back?
Repeat treatment is safe. In rare cases, ENT referral or imaging may be needed.
❓ 10. Can I prevent BPPV?
You can’t always prevent it, but good sleep posture, balance exercises, and avoiding head trauma help.
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