BPPV becomes increasingly more common with age. It is the main cause of dizziness in half of people over 50 years of age. BPPV can increase the likelihood of falling, particularly if you are older. Osteopenia and osteoporosis - age-related deterioration of structures in the inner ear or of the crystals may contribute to the crystals becoming dislodged and the development of BPPV. About 80% of people with BPPV have either osteopenia (low bone mass) or osteoporosis (a disease that causes bones to become weak and brittle). Postmenopausal women with osteopenia or osteoporosis are about 3 times more likely than the general population of the same age to have BPPV. The role of estrogen (female sex hormone) in calcium metabolism may help explain why age and female gender are risks factors for BPPV. Research suggests that canalith repositioning procedures resolve symptoms in 85% of patients with BPPV after a single manoeuvre. Canalith (meaning “canal rocks”) repositioning procedures (CRP) are an effective, long-lasting and non-invasive treatment for all types of BPPV. Only 2% of patients need more than three treatments. Failure of CRP therapy to provide relief is associated with factors such as head injury, age and osteoporosis. Someone who has had BPPV may be more likely to get it again, however when is not predictable. For more information, read our article on BPPV.