[Diagnosis and management of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo]

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common disorder of the vestibular labyrinth which should be suspected in all patients with a history of vertigo during changes of head position. The BPPV appears to be caused by free-floating debris in the posterior semicircular canal. The diagnosis is confirmed by eliciting characteristic symptoms during the Dix-Hallpike test. Although the BPPV usually is a self-limited disorder treatment with a specific bedside maneuver is effective and can shorten the duration of symptoms.