Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common condition that causes sudden dizziness and loss of balance. In medical terms, BPPV is also known as idiopathic positional vertigo, canalolithiasis, and cupulolithiasis. Idiopathic positional vertigo refers to the unknown cause of the condition, while canalolithiasis and cupulolithiasis refer to different forms of debris that can accumulate in the ear's balance organs. BPPV is also sometimes simply called positional vertigo, as the root of the condition involves disturbances in the body's balancing system caused by changes in head position. Regardless of its numerous synonym terms, BPPV is treatable and typically resolves within several weeks with proper medical care.