Spinning sensation when you move your head? You may be suffering from BPPV

Imagine waking up feeling as if you’re on a spinning merry-go-round or in the midst of an earthquake. This is how top Australian cricketer Steve Smith felt just before his second One Day International match against India. He described it as a “bad dose of vertigo.” Vertigo is a disorienting sensation that many describe as spinning, unsteadiness, or simply “chakkar.” It’s a common issue, affecting about 5% of the population, which translates to roughly 60 million Indians. For many, it can be a persistent and frightening problem.

Vertigo itself isn’t a disease but a symptom, often stemming from disorders of the inner ear or brain. One of the most common causes is BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo), which can affect people of all ages, though it’s more frequent in older adults.