Nausea may accompany the vertigo. The vertigo is caused by the collection of the otoliths in a part of the inner ear where they are not normally found. BPPV can occur at any age but is more common with advancing years due to degeneration of the balance system. BPPV may be precipitated by mild head trauma. This disorder is typically self-limiting and will commonly resolve within six to twelve months.
Medications are available to help control nausea or to decrease the intensity of the symptoms.
There are no medications, however, which will cure this problem. Surgery is rarely needed. The most common treatment takes the form of physical maneuvers and exercises. The Epley Maneuver, also known as the canalith or particle repositioning procedure is performed in the office and consists of a sequential movement of the head into four distinct positions which may aid the movement of the displaced otoliths back into their normal location. Vestibular conditioning exercises, such as Cawthorne or Brandt-Daroff exercises, are performed at home and assist recovery.