Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Symptoms and Safety Awareness in Canada

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common condition that causes brief episodes of dizziness or a spinning sensation when the head changes position. Symptoms often occur when rolling over in bed, getting up in the morning, or looking upward.

In Canada, BPPV is a frequent cause of dizziness, particularly among older adults, and it can increase the risk of falls and injury if not recognized early.

What Does Vertigo Feel Like?

Certain activities that trigger the symptoms of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo vary from one individual to another, but moving out of bed or rolling over is responsible for triggering vertigo, dizziness, imbalance, lightheadedness or nausea.

Vertigo is different from general lightheadedness. It is often described as:

A sensation that the room is spinning
Feeling off-balance or unsteady
Sudden dizziness triggered by head movement

Symptoms may last seconds to minutes and often come and go over weeks or months. In most cases, BPPV affects only one ear.

Common Signs and Triggers

Symptoms of BPPV are typically triggered by specific movements, including:

Rolling over in bed
Getting up or lying down
Tipping the head back to look upward

Associated symptoms may include:

Nausea
Imbalance
Lightheadedness

Symptoms are usually intermittent but can recur.

What Causes BPPV?

BPPV is believed to occur when tiny calcium crystals inside the inner ear shift out of place. These crystals interfere with the normal signals that help control balance and head position.

Contributing factors may include:

Aging-related changes in the inner ear
Head injuries
Inner ear disorders

In many cases, no clear cause is identified.

First Aid Awareness and Fall Prevention

BPPV cannot be treated with first aid, but first aid awareness focuses on safety and injury prevention.

Important precautions include:

Moving slowly when getting up or changing position
Sitting or lying down if dizziness occurs
Using handrails or supports when needed
Avoiding sudden head movements during episodes

Because dizziness can increase the risk of falls, medical assessment is important—especially if symptoms persist or worsen.

When to Seek Medical Care

Medical care should be sought if:

Vertigo episodes are frequent or severe
Dizziness leads to falls or near-falls
Symptoms are accompanied by headache, weakness, vision changes, or difficulty speaking

These may indicate a more serious condition.

Why This Awareness Matters for Canadians

Falls are a leading cause of injury in Canada, particularly among older adults. Understanding conditions like BPPV helps reduce injury risk at home, work, and in the community.

First aid training emphasizes recognition, safety measures, and appropriate escalation, rather than diagnosis or treatment.

Educational Disclaimer

This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. BPPV requires diagnosis and management by qualified healthcare professionals.