Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is the most common inner ear problem and cause of vertigo (a false sense of spinning). Each word in the name ‘BPPV’ is important in describing the condition: 

• Benign means it is not life-threatening, even though the symptoms can be intense and disabling. 
• Paroxysmal means that the symptoms come in sudden, short spells. 
• Positional means that certain head positions or movements trigger symptoms. 
• Vertigo is the term used to describe the feeling that you are spinning or the world around you is spinning.