Benign positional paroxysmal vertigo

**Definition:** Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is defined as an abnormal sensation of motion that is elicited by certain critical provocative physical positions of the patient (e.g. becoming dorsal recumbent). The provocative positions usually trigger specific eye movements (e.g. nystagmus). The character and direction of the nystagmus is specific to the part of the inner ear affected and the underlying pathophysiology.