Differentiating Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo From Other Causes of Dizziness

Patients with dizziness are often seen first in primary care. Vertigo is a type of dizziness and is often caused by benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). BPPV is traditionally misdiagnosed and undertreated. BPPV can cause patients distress and can greatly affect activities of daily living. BPPV can be differentiated from other causes of dizziness. Primary care providers should become skilled in diagnosing and treating BPPV in order to improve patient outcomes.