The Most Common Types of Vertigo: BPPV, Meniere's Disease, and Vestibular Neuritis

The Most Common Types of Vertigo: BPPV, Meniere's Disease, and Vestibular Neuritis

Martyn F. Apr. 29 19

Understanding Vertigo: The Basics

As someone who has experienced vertigo firsthand, I know how frightening and debilitating this condition can be. Vertigo is a sensation of spinning or dizziness that can affect your balance and coordination. There are several types of vertigo, and each has its own unique set of causes and symptoms. In this article, we'll be discussing the three most common types of vertigo: Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), Meniere's Disease, and Vestibular Neuritis. By understanding these conditions, we can better manage and treat them, ultimately improving our quality of life.

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Overview and Symptoms

BPPV is the most common type of vertigo and is caused by a problem in the inner ear. Specifically, it occurs when calcium carbonate crystals, known as otoconia, become dislodged and enter the semicircular canals. These canals are responsible for maintaining our balance, and when these crystals interfere with their function, it can result in episodes of vertigo.


Common symptoms of BPPV include sudden, short-lived episodes of dizziness that are triggered by changes in head position. These episodes typically last for a few seconds to a minute and can be accompanied by feelings of imbalance, nausea, and even vomiting. In my experience, BPPV episodes were most likely to occur when I was lying down or getting up from a lying position.

Diagnosing and Treating BPPV

If you suspect you may have BPPV, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis. They will likely perform the Dix-Hallpike test, which involves moving your head into specific positions to see if it triggers vertigo. If the test is positive, it's likely that you have BPPV.


Fortunately, BPPV can be treated with simple, non-invasive techniques known as repositioning maneuvers. The most common maneuver is the Epley maneuver, which involves moving your head in a specific sequence to help reposition the displaced crystals. In my experience, this maneuver provided almost immediate relief from vertigo symptoms. Additionally, your healthcare provider may recommend vestibular rehabilitation exercises to help improve balance and reduce dizziness.

Meniere's Disease: Overview and Symptoms

Meniere's Disease is a chronic, progressive inner ear disorder that affects the balance and hearing system. The exact cause of Meniere's Disease is still unknown, but it is believed to be related to an abnormal buildup of fluid in the inner ear.


Common symptoms of Meniere's Disease include episodes of vertigo that can last anywhere from 20 minutes to several hours, fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and a feeling of fullness or pressure in the affected ear. In my experience, Meniere's Disease episodes were often unpredictable and would leave me feeling exhausted and disoriented.

Diagnosing and Treating Meniere's Disease

Diagnosing Meniere's Disease can be challenging, as there is no definitive test for the condition. Your healthcare provider will likely take a detailed medical history, conduct a physical examination, and may order tests such as audiometry or vestibular testing to rule out other causes of your symptoms.


While there is no cure for Meniere's Disease, various treatments can help manage symptoms. These may include medications to control vertigo, diuretics to reduce fluid retention, hearing aids to address hearing loss, and lifestyle changes such as a low-salt diet and stress reduction. In my experience, finding the right combination of treatments was crucial in managing my Meniere's Disease symptoms.

Vestibular Neuritis: Overview and Symptoms

Vestibular Neuritis is an inflammation of the vestibular nerve, which connects the inner ear to the brain and is responsible for relaying balance information. This inflammation is typically caused by a viral infection, such as the common cold or flu.


Common symptoms of Vestibular Neuritis include a sudden onset of severe vertigo, which can last for several days, along with nausea, vomiting, and problems with balance. In my experience, Vestibular Neuritis was incredibly disruptive to my daily life, making it difficult to work or even walk around my house.

Diagnosing and Treating Vestibular Neuritis

If you suspect you may have Vestibular Neuritis, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis. They will likely perform a physical examination and may order tests such as an MRI or blood work to rule out other potential causes of your symptoms.


Treatment for Vestibular Neuritis typically focuses on managing symptoms and may include medications to control vertigo and nausea, as well as vestibular rehabilitation therapy to help improve balance and reduce dizziness. In my experience, it took several weeks for my symptoms to fully resolve, but with proper treatment, I was able to make a complete recovery.

Conclusion: Living with Vertigo

Living with vertigo can be challenging, but with the right knowledge and treatment, it's possible to manage the symptoms and maintain a good quality of life. If you're experiencing vertigo, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. By understanding and addressing the specific type of vertigo you're experiencing, you can take control of your condition and get back to living your life.

Comments (19)
  • shawn micheal
    shawn micheal 29 Apr 2023

    I remember the first time I got that terrifying spinning feeling while reaching for a cereal box.
    It was as if the world had turned into a lazy carousel that wouldn't stop.
    The panic that followed made my heart race, but I kept reminding myself that help is out there.
    Doctors told me it was BPPV, and the name sounded like a secret code for a video game boss.
    Luckily, the Epley maneuver felt like a magic trick that reset my inner ear.
    After a few repetitions I could finally stand up without the room tilting.
    That moment gave me a huge confidence boost and made me want to share the knowledge.
    If you’re suffering, don’t wait for the vertigo to win; seek a professional who can test you with the Dix‑Hallpike.
    The test might feel weird, but it’s the fastest way to pinpoint the culprit.
    Once diagnosed, the repositioning maneuvers can often be done at home with proper guidance.
    Consistency is key – practice the steps daily until the crystals settle.
    Pair the maneuvers with vestibular rehab exercises, and you’ll notice a steady improvement in balance.
    Stay hydrated, avoid sudden head movements, and give yourself time to recover after each session.
    Remember that you’re not alone; many people have walked this path and emerged stronger.
    Celebrate each small victory, whether it’s getting out of bed without nausea or walking a few blocks.
    Keep a positive mindset, and you’ll find that vertigo loses its power over your life.

  • Stephen Jahl
    Stephen Jahl 2 May 2023

    In the realm of otologic pathophysiology, one must consider the vestibular scalar vector as a pivotal element; however, the layman often misinterprets BPPV as a mere fleeting inconvenience.
    Definately, the etiology involves dislocated otoconia, a fact which some clinicians oversimplify in patient discourse.
    One ought to adopt an interdisciplinary praxis, integrating neurotologic assessment with kinetic therapy, lest the patient remain ensnared in the cyclical vortex of symptoms.
    Thus, the overarching regimen demands meticulous adherence to repositioning protocols whilst maintaining a vigilant oversight of comorbidities.

  • gershwin mkhatshwa
    gershwin mkhatshwa 6 May 2023

    Yo, I've been there – that sudden spin when you roll over in bed is the worst.
    What helped me most was doing the Epley right after I felt it start, like before I even got out of bed.
    Also, keep your moves slow; jerky head motions just make it worse.
    Anyone else found that staying hydrated kinda keeps the episodes less intense?

  • Louis Robert
    Louis Robert 9 May 2023

    Great tip on the Epley, really straightforward and works for many.
    Consistency is key, so keep at it.

  • tim jeurissen
    tim jeurissen 13 May 2023

    First, “vertigo” is not a lay term; it denotes a specific vestibular dysfunction, not generic dizziness.
    Second, many patients misapply the term to any light‑headedness, which obscures diagnostic clarity.
    Therefore, precise language is essential for effective treatment planning.

  • lorna Rickwood
    lorna Rickwood 16 May 2023

    the epley maneuver actually works.

  • Mayra Oto
    Mayra Oto 20 May 2023

    From a cultural perspective, many traditions view vertigo as a spiritual imbalance, which can affect how patients seek help.
    Bridging that worldview with modern medicine can improve adherence to therapy.
    Being mindful of those beliefs makes the whole process smoother.

  • S. Davidson
    S. Davidson 23 May 2023

    Honestly, most people just ignore the advice and keep moving their heads like idiots.
    If you don’t respect the protocol, you’ll keep suffering – it’s that simple.
    Stop treating it like a joke and follow the steps exactly.
    Otherwise you’re just wasting time.

  • Haley Porter
    Haley Porter 27 May 2023

    Considering the vestibular phenomenology, one can argue that the perceptual dissonance during BPPV is a transient perturbation of the otolithic reference frame.
    This aligns with the neuroplastic adaptation models that suggest recalibration can occur after repeated repositioning.
    In lay terms, the brain re‑learns to interpret signals correctly once the otoconia are relocated.
    Hence, systematic therapy accelerates this neural realignment.
    It’s not just a physical fix; there’s a cognitive component as well.
    Understanding both aspects yields better outcomes.

  • Samantha Kolkowski
    Samantha Kolkowski 30 May 2023

    I’ve been following the recommended exercises for a couple of weeks now.
    The spins have decreased noticeably, and I feel steadier on my feet.
    It’s reassuring to see progress, even if it’s gradual.
    Just keep at it and don’t get discouraged.

  • Nick Ham
    Nick Ham 3 Jun 2023

    Data shows BPPV accounts for over 20% of vertigo cases.
    Targeted maneuvers cut symptom duration by up to 80%.

  • Jennifer Grant
    Jennifer Grant 6 Jun 2023

    When I first stumbled upon the description of vestibular neuritis, I was struck by the sheer complexity of the inner ear’s communication with the brain.
    The inflammation of the vestibular nerve can manifest as a relentless, unrelenting spin that seems to dominate every waking hour.
    In my own journey, the initial phase was bleak – I could barely stand, and a simple walk to the kitchen felt like an expedition across a stormy sea.
    Medical intervention provided antivirals and anti‑nausea medication, which was a relief but not a cure.
    The turning point arrived with vestibular rehabilitation therapy, a structured set of exercises designed to retrain the brain’s interpretation of balance signals.
    These exercises emphasized slow, deliberate head movements coupled with visual fixation, gradually coaxing the brain to rely on other sensory inputs.
    Patience, however, is paramount; progress is incremental, and setbacks are part of the process.
    Throughout the recovery, I documented my symptoms daily, noting that consistency in therapy corresponded with measurable improvements in stability.
    By the third week, my world no longer swayed with each step, and I could resume light activities without fearing sudden falls.
    This experience underscored the resilience of neural plasticity and the importance of an interdisciplinary approach, marrying pharmacologic relief with targeted physical therapy.

  • Kenneth Mendez
    Kenneth Mendez 10 Jun 2023

    Don't you think all this mainstream medical stuff is just a cover for big pharma?
    They push pills for dizziness while ignoring the real cause – hidden electromagnetic fields.
    Stay skeptical and look for natural solutions.

  • Gabe Crisp
    Gabe Crisp 13 Jun 2023

    We must uphold moral responsibility when advising health interventions.
    Spreading unverified home remedies can be dangerous.
    Stick to evidence‑based practices.

  • Paul Bedrule
    Paul Bedrule 17 Jun 2023

    From a meta‑analytical perspective, the efficacy of maneuver‑based interventions is well‑documented, yet the public discourse often neglects the epistemic underpinnings of such protocols.
    Consequently, laypersons may undervalue these strategies, perceiving them as mere anecdote.

  • yash Soni
    yash Soni 20 Jun 2023

    Oh great, another post about “just do the Epley and you’ll be fine.”
    If only life were that simple, right?
    But sure, give it a try and see if your head stops spinning.

  • Emily Jozefowicz
    Emily Jozefowicz 23 Jun 2023

    Isn’t it adorable how we all pretend the inner ear isn’t a tiny, mysterious universe?
    Sure, the Epley is like a cat‑nap for your balance system – brief, but oddly satisfying.
    Let’s not forget the importance of a low‑salt diet; it’s practically poetry for your vestibular health.
    And hey, if you ever feel the world tilt, just blame the kitchen’s stale coffee – it’s a classic.

  • Franklin Romanowski
    Franklin Romanowski 27 Jun 2023

    I totally get how scary those spinning episodes can be – I’ve been there myself.
    It helped me a lot to keep a diary of when the episodes happened and what I was doing.
    Sharing that with my doctor made it easier to pinpoint triggers.
    Stay positive, you’ll find a routine that works.

  • Brett Coombs
    Brett Coombs 30 Jun 2023

    People always act like these maneuvers are some grand conspiracy by the medical elite.
    Honestly, it’s just physics – move your head, let the crystals settle.
    If you’re willing to do the work, you’ll be fine.

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