Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)

BPPV causes brief attacks of spinning dizziness when turning over in bed, looking up or bending down. Loose calcium crystals stimulate a balance canal. A targeted repositioning manoeuvre often helps. New loss of neurological function or inability to walk is not ordinary BPPV.

• A brief feeling that the room or your body is spinning when you turn over in bed.
• Dizziness when getting up, bending down, looking up or lying back.
• Sit or lie down during an attack to prevent falls.
• Do not drive or work at height while sudden attacks may occur.
• Make an appointment for new spinning dizziness to establish the diagnosis, affected side and a safe manoeuvre.
• For urgent GP care outside office hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediate threat to life.