BPPV

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) occurs when calcium carbonate crystals called otoconia dislodge from the otolithic membrane of the utricle and migrate into a semicircular canal, most commonly the posterior canal. During positional head changes these free-floating otoconia move within the endolymph, inappropriately deflecting the cupula and triggering a false rotational signal to the vestibular nuclei. The mismatch between vestibular, visual, and proprioceptive input produces intense but brief episodes of vertigo, typically lasting less than 60 seconds. The nurse assists by monitoring patient safety during episodes, reinforcing fall precautions, administering prescribed vestibular suppressants, and reporting symptom patterns to the nursing team.