IntroductionBPPV (Benign Proximal Positional Vertigo) is the most common disorder associated with the vestibular system which plays a central role in balance (Timothy & Hain, 2009). Parnes and Nabi (2009) defined BPPV as: “A peripheral vestibular disorder that manifests as sudden, short-lived episodes of vertigo precipitated by certain head movements” (p. 287). This definition can be supplemented by Timothy & Hain, 2009) who describe BPPV as sudden, positional and paroxysmal dizziness. According to Parnes, Agrawal & Atlas (2003), benign means that the pathology is not cancerous or due to a serious cause. The word proximal refers to a sudden, recurring episode of symptoms. Positional refers to the onset of symptoms dependent on a certain position or movement and vertigo is the sensation of the environment rotating relative to the person and vice versa. The two main pathophysiological mechanisms of BPPV that will be discussed include canalhiasis and cupulithiasis (Parnes and Nabi, 2009). These are distinguished by the pathophysiology involved.Anatomy and physiologyParnes & Nabi (2009) mention in their article that the vestibular system allows vertebrates to detect spatial position as well as movement. Timothy & Hain (2009) clarified that rotational movement is detected by the semicircular canals. The vestibular system can be subdivided into otolithic organs and semicircular canals (SCC) (Parnes & Nabi, 2009). Otolith organs can be divided into utricle and saccule (Timothy & Hain, 2009). All of these channels play a central role in maintaining balance (Fife, 2009). The SCC which contains the endolymph are located at right angles to each other and sense rotational heat...... middle of paper ...... scuba diving can cause disorientation underwater due to acute dizziness. Due to the professional consequences of BPPV, a person may be forced to take extended periods of sick leave or possibly leave work. Due to the fear of an episode and associated symptoms, socialization and participation in recreational activities may be limited. Some people may tend to avoid driving for fear of an episode of dizziness which could cause them to lose concentration, become disoriented and lose control. Additionally, people who drive may not turn their heads to check blind spots due to a possible dizziness trigger. This exposes you to the risk of causing an accident. In severe cases, the adverse effects and consequences mentioned above can lead to depression. It is important to note the possible psychological consequences of BPPV and to make the necessary referral to a psychologist (Tusa, 2010).