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BPPV Vertigo Treatment in Gangnam, Seoul

Medically reviewed by Dr. Kim Yoo Suk, MD · Board-certified otolaryngologist · Former professor, Yonsei & Ajou University · Consultations in English

What is BPPV?

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common cause of vertigo. The name describes it well: benign (not life-threatening), paroxysmal (sudden, brief episodes), positional (triggered by head position) vertigo.

The inner ear contains tiny calcium carbonate crystals called otoconia, normally attached in an area called the utricle. When some break loose and drift into one of the three semicircular canals, usually the posterior canal, they move with gravity whenever you change head position and send a false spinning signal to the brain.

Symptoms

• Short bursts of spinning, usually lasting less than one minute
• Triggered by rolling over in bed, lying down, getting up, looking up or bending forward
• Nausea, sometimes vomiting
• Lingering unsteadiness or a "heavy-headed" feeling between episodes
• No hearing loss caused by BPPV itself

Causes and risk factors

Often no specific cause is found. Recognized triggers and associations include:

• Increasing age
• Head injury, even minor
• Previous inner ear problems such as vestibular neuritis
• Prolonged bed rest or long periods with the head in one position, such as at the dentist or hair salon
• Possible links with low vitamin D and osteoporosis

How it's diagnosed at our Gangnam clinic

Dr. Kim performs positional tests such as the Dix-Hallpike and supine roll tests while you wear Frenzel goggles; see dizziness testing with Frenzel goggles. The direction and timing of the eye movements show which ear and which canal are affected, which determines the correct repositioning maneuver. If the pattern is atypical or there are other neurological signs, further evaluation is arranged. A vitamin D test may be suggested for patients with recurrent BPPV.

Treatment options

Canalith repositioning

The Epley maneuver guides the crystals out of the posterior canal through a series of head positions. Other maneuvers, such as the barbecue roll, are used for horizontal canal BPPV. Repositioning is performed in the clinic and takes only minutes; many patients improve after one or two sessions.

After treatment

• Mild unsteadiness may persist for a few days
• You may be taught home exercises if symptoms recur
• Short-term anti-nausea medication can help, but long-term vestibular suppressants are generally avoided

BPPV can recur, sometimes months or years later. Recognizing the pattern means you can return for prompt treatment.

When to see an ENT

See an ENT if you have repeated brief spinning with head movement. Seek emergency care if vertigo is constant rather than brief, or comes with severe headache, double vision, slurred speech, weakness, numbness, or inability to walk, as these are not typical of BPPV.

Seeing Dr. Kim in English

Dr. Kim, board-certified in otolaryngology and formerly on the faculty of Yonsei and Ajou universities, treats BPPV as part of his full-scope ENT practice, alongside his nose and sinus subspecialty. He talks you through each position of the maneuver in English, which makes it easier to relax. Read our international patient information.

Frequently asked questions

How quickly does the Epley maneuver work?

Many patients with posterior canal BPPV feel noticeably better after one or two maneuvers in the clinic. Some mild unsteadiness can last a few days. If symptoms persist, the maneuver may be repeated or a different canal may be involved.

Can BPPV come back?

Yes. BPPV recurs in a significant proportion of patients, sometimes months or years later. Recognizing the typical brief, position-triggered spinning allows you to seek repositioning treatment promptly. Your ENT may teach you home exercises.

Is BPPV dangerous?

BPPV itself is benign and not life-threatening. The main risk is falling during an episode, especially for older adults. Get up slowly and hold on to something stable until the condition is treated. Atypical symptoms need further evaluation.

This page is general medical information written and reviewed by an ENT specialist. It is not a diagnosis. Symptoms differ between people — please see a doctor for an examination. In an emergency in Korea, call 119.