What does BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo) stand for?

What BPPV Stands For

BPPV stands for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo. 1

Breakdown of the Acronym

According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, each component of the acronym has specific clinical meaning: 1

• Benign: Historically indicates this is a form of positional vertigo not caused by serious central nervous system (CNS) disorders, with an overall favorable prognosis for recovery 1

  • However, the term "benign" can be misleading—patients with BPPV face increased risk for falls and impairment in daily activities, making the clinical impact far from benign 1
  • Spontaneous resolution occurs in approximately 20% of patients by 1 month and up to 50% at 3 months 1

• Paroxysmal: Describes the rapid and sudden onset of vertigo that can be initiated at any time by a change in head position 1

• Positional: Refers to vertigo produced by changes in head position relative to gravity 1

• Vertigo: An illusory sensation of motion of either the self or the surroundings in the absence of true motion 1

Clinical Definition

BPPV is formally defined as a disorder of the inner ear characterized by repeated episodes of positional vertigo. 1 The condition results from dislodged calcium carbonate crystals (otoconia) that migrate from the utricle into the semicircular canals, causing abnormal stimulation of the vestibular apparatus during head position changes 2, 3

Alternative Terminology

BPPV has been referred to by several other names in the literature, though BPPV remains the most common terminology in clinical practice: 1

• Benign positional vertigo
• Paroxysmal positional vertigo
• Positional vertigo
• Benign paroxysmal nystagmus
• Paroxysmal positional nystagmus

Clinical Significance

BPPV is the most common cause of vertigo, accounting for 17% to 42% of patients with vertigo in clinical settings. 1 It represents the most frequent inner ear problem and leading cause of false sense of spinning. 2