Dizziness occurring when changing posture, such as moving from lying to sitting, turning the head, or bending and tilting the neck suddenly, can indicate a peripheral vestibular disorder. The most common type is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). This condition arises when calcium crystals in the inner ear become dislodged from their normal position and move into the semicircular canals, incorrectly stimulating the balance system.

BPPV symptoms include distinct episodes of dizziness that appear immediately upon changing head position. These episodes typically last from a few seconds to less than one minute and may be accompanied by nausea before resolving on their own.

Beyond BPPV, other conditions can also cause dizziness. These include vestibular neuritis, Meniere's disease, or disorders related to the central nervous system.

Given your frequent dizziness when changing posture, you should seek examination from an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist or a neurology specialist. A doctor can then examine you, diagnose the underlying cause, and provide timely treatment.

If the cause is benign positional vertigo, patients are typically treated with vestibular rehabilitation maneuvers, such as the Epley maneuver. The primary goal of these maneuvers is to return the dislodged crystals to their original position within the inner ear.

You should not self-medicate for extended periods without a prescription, as this can mask symptoms and potentially cause the condition to worsen. To limit recurrence, it is advisable to change head positions slowly, avoid sudden head turns or bending and tilting the neck, get sufficient sleep, and maintain a balanced lifestyle.

Master, Doctor Trieu Thi Ngoc Anh

Department of Ear, Nose, and Throat

Tam Anh General Hospital Hanoi