back to Australia directory
australia clinical guidance

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)

A chapter-bounded Australian summary of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (bppv), using exact named Queensland PCCM content and any exact national source listed on this page.

JurisdictionAustralia
Source check2026-08-20
Clinical reviewiatroX editorial team · Clinical editorial review · reviewed 2026-08-20 · due 2027-08-20
AudienceHealthcare professionals practising in Australia
This is an iatroX educational summary of named Australia sources, not an official guideline. It does not replace the complete source documents, local policy, specialist advice or clinical judgement. Queensland PCCM dizziness/vertigo is a Queensland implementation source. Apply only the cited chapter scope and verify the equivalent state or territory pathway.

Scope

Recognition of probable BPPV within the exact Queensland PCCM adult dizziness and vertigo chapter, including screening for central and other dangerous causes before positional treatment.
sources for this section:Queensland PCCM dizziness/vertigo

The Bottom Line

  • Clarify whether the symptom is spinning vertigo, presyncope or imbalance and record timing, duration, triggers and associated neurological or ear symptoms.
  • Brief vertigo triggered by head position with characteristic positional nystagmus supports BPPV after central warning features are excluded.
  • The chapter describes positional testing and an Epley manoeuvre for likely BPPV when the clinician is trained and neck positioning is safe.
  • A first episode of continuous vertigo requires assessment for central causes rather than automatic labelling as BPPV.
sources for this section:Queensland PCCM dizziness/vertigo

Practical clinical workflow

1
Record observations and glucose when indicated and examine gait, eye movements, nystagmus, hearing and focal neurology.
2
Use positional testing only when history and examination fit BPPV and cervical or vascular safety permits.
3
Offer a source-supported repositioning manoeuvre when BPPV is likely and explain transient symptom provocation and falls precautions.
4
Review persistent, atypical or recurrent symptoms and refer for vestibular, hearing or neurological assessment as appropriate.
sources for this section:Queensland PCCM dizziness/vertigo

Safety boundaries and escalation

  • New focal neurology, severe gait inability, direction-changing or vertical nystagmus, new unilateral hearing loss or severe headache requires urgent central-cause assessment.
  • Do not perform positional manoeuvres when neck instability, severe vascular disease or another contraindication makes the required movement unsafe.
sources for this section:Queensland PCCM dizziness/vertigo

Implementation

Queensland PCCM dizziness/vertigo is a Queensland source. It supplies an Australian implementation example, not a national rule. Confirm the equivalent pathway, referral destination and medicine policy in the patient’s state or territory. Check current TGA product information for medicines. Offer culturally safe care and use the NACCHO–RACGP National Guide where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander preventive or chronic-care recommendations differ.
sources for this section:Queensland PCCM dizziness/vertigo

Clinical use boundary

This independently written summary is not an official guideline. Check the linked source version, current TGA-approved product information where medicines are involved, and the applicable state, territory and local pathway at the point of care.

sources for this section:Queensland PCCM dizziness/vertigo

Source documents

Use the linked source documents for complete recommendations, evidence grading, exclusions and implementation detail.

  1. Queensland Health and Royal Flying Doctor Service Queensland SectionPrimary Clinical Care Manual, 12th edition: Dizziness and vertigo — adultISBN 978-1-876560-22-5; Dizziness and vertigo — adult, pp. 124–127 · 12th edition 2025, v1.03 with updates through 21 July 2026; exact chapter at printed pages 124–127 · accessed 2026-08-20
    view source
continue the learning

From guidance to deliberate practice and evidence

Choose what happens next. iatroX can carry this page's jurisdiction, source-check date and released version into an editable learning record, support your reflection, or let you browse the regional question bank while keeping this topic visible. No action records completion, starts a session or awards CPD/CME credit automatically.

Add this guidance review to CPD/CMEOpen an editable learning-log record with this page’s provenance attached. You confirm the activity, time, reflection and mappings.Reflect on this with TutorUse optional prompts to consider what you learned and what—if anything—you may change. Suggestions are never inserted automatically.Browse the Australia question bankKeep this guidance topic in view, then choose your exam and filters. No session starts automatically.
Found a source update or regional discrepancy? Tell the iatroX editorial team.