This can occur spontaneously, follow a viral illness, or result from head trauma. The symptoms associated with this condition are a spinning sensation or lightheadedness, sometimes associated with nausea, which are brought on by changes in head and body position. The symptoms are of short duration, lasting seconds to minutes. The ear toward the floor when symptoms occur is usually the offending ear. This condition is called benign because it is self-limited, that is, it will improve on its own.
Recovery takes several weeks or months, occasionally up to one year.
Treatment is only for symptomatic relief by using vestibular suppressant medications such as Antivert or Valium. Rarely is surgery required. As a person grows older, certain changes normally occur, such as a change in hair color and a decrease in the ability to hear. Just as these changes occur, there are also changes occurring in systems which are needed to maintain balance. The following is a discussion of the changes that occur, symptoms one may experience and suggestions to help minimize these symptoms.