Have you ever experienced the sensation that the world starts spinning simply by looking up at the sky or lying down in bed? This type of vertigo, often brief but disorienting, could be a sign of a common condition: benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, or BPPV. Although it can be alarming, this phenomenon is benign and treatable, provided it is properly understood.
When your head spins on its own
BPPV occurs when a small imbalance takes place in the inner ear, our main center for balance. Specifically, tiny calcium crystals (otoliths), normally located in a specific area, move into a canal where they shouldn't be.
The result: with every rapid head movement—looking up, bending over, or turning in bed—these crystals incorrectly stimulate the balance system, giving the brain a false impression of movement. This can create the sensation that the room is spinning; this vertigo usually lasts less than a minute and is often accompanied by nausea, sweating, or a feeling of floating.
A common disorder, especially with age
BPPV affects approximately one in two people during their lifetime, and its frequency increases with age. It can develop after an ear infection, head injury, vitamin D deficiency, or simply over time. Certain conditions increase the risk: diabetes, osteoporosis, or prolonged immobility (after surgery or a long convalescence).
How to recognize BPPV?
Here are the typical signs:
- A brief sensation that the world is spinning, caused by a movement of the head.
- Dizziness that disappears after a few seconds or minutes.
- No hearing loss, headaches or speech problems.
If these criteria match your experience, it is probably a case of BPPV (Breath-Pulmonary-Positive-Verbal-Drowsy). However, if the dizziness is constant, accompanied by vision problems, speech difficulties, or numbness, you should consult a doctor.
Effective maneuvers to relieve him
In most cases, vestibular postural edema (VPE) is treated with simple repositioning maneuvers performed by a vestibular physiotherapist or an ENT specialist. These precise movements allow the crystals to be put back in place and quickly reduce symptoms. In the days following the maneuver, it is recommended to continue moving normally and avoid holding your head still for fear of another episode—because it is precisely movement that retrains the balance system.
When to consult a doctor?
Even though vestibular dysphoric disorder (VDD) is benign, it's best to consult a professional. If in doubt, vestibular rehabilitation or a medical evaluation can confirm the diagnosis and tailor the treatment. And the good news is: most people return to a perfectly normal life after treatment.
In short, the dizziness you feel when looking up or lying down isn't necessarily imaginary: it could be a common inner ear disorder. While it may be frightening at first, benign positional vertigo (BPPV) is very treatable, often without medication. So, if looking at the sky makes your head spin—literally—it's best to tell your doctor rather than ignoring it.
