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Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV): which canal?

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common cause of dizziness and vertigo across all age groups — but did you know there are multiple types, each requiring a different treatment? BPPV occurs when tiny ear crystals called otoliths break loose and enter the semicircular canals of the inner ear. The problem is that the inner ear has three canals — the posterior canal, the lateral canal, and the anterior canal — and each one requires its own specific repositioning maneuver to treat effectively. In fact, more than 25 different maneuvers have been developed to address the various canal combinations that BPPV can affect. Simply guessing which canal is involved and attempting a random maneuver is correct less than half the time — and the wrong maneuver can actually make symptoms worse. The most reliable approach is examining the eye movements that BPPV produces, since these provide the critical clues needed to identify the affected canal and select the right treatment. Whether you're a patient struggling with positional vertigo or a clinician looking to sharpen your diagnostic skills, understanding which canal is involved is the essential first step toward effective treatment.

This material is intended for educational purposes only, and does not substitute evaluation by a qualified medical professional.

In developing this course we reviewed literature (so that you don't have to!)

 

 

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