Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is typically described

by location and type. For example, the most common form of BPPV is
posterior canal Canalithiasis. “Posterior” refers to the location (one
can also have BPPV in the Horizontal or Anterior Canal), and
Canalithiasis refers to the condition of the otoconia (Are they moving
freely or stuck on the cupiula?)

The theory of Canalithiasis proposes that there are free-floating

particles (otoconia) that have gravitated from the utricle and collect
near the cupula of the posterior canal. When the head is moved into a
position that causes the particles to move away from the cupula, the
resulting hydrodynamic drag causes cupular deflection (and
asymmetric stimulation) resulting in vertigo and nystagmus until the
particles come to rest in the now gravitationally dependent section of
the canal.