A patient has dizziness lasting only for seconds and it is affected by changes in position. What is the most likely diagnosis?

The condition described in the question is consistent with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). This diagnosis is characterized by episodes of brief dizziness, typically lasting only seconds, which are triggered by changes in the position of the head. BPPV is caused by the displacement of tiny calcium carbonate crystals (otoconia) within the inner ear, particularly affecting the semicircular canals. When the head moves in certain positions, these displaced crystals interfere with the normal fluid movement in the canals, leading to rapid onset vertigo.

In this scenario, the key features are the brief duration of dizziness and its positional nature, both of which align perfectly with BPPV. Other conditions, such as Meniere’s disease, typically present with longer episodes of vertigo, accompanied by fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus, and a feeling of fullness in the ear. Migraines can cause vertigo as well, but typically involve other symptoms such as headache, sensitivity to light or sound, and aura. Labyrinthitis usually presents with prolonged dizziness and may also involve hearing loss, likely due to inflammation in the inner ear.

The characteristics of the dizziness lasting only for seconds and being positionally triggered firmly point to BPPV as the most likely