What is BPPV? Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is a common inner ear disorder that causes brief episodes of dizziness or vertigo. It occurs when small calcium crystals (otoconia) in the inner ear become dislodged and move into one of the semicircular canals, affecting the ear’s ability to detect head motion. Symptoms of BPPV: People often describe BPPV episodes as a spinning sensation that is triggered by changes in head position such as lying down, sitting up, or rolling over....