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Val Chmerkovskiy revealed his diagnosis after hospitalization during the Dancing With the Stars tour. The 39-year-old pro confirmed he has BPPV, ruling out a brain tumor and proving fans’ worst fears unfounded.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Diagnosis: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), the most common cause of vertigo
- Timeline: Hospitalized March 1 in Peoria, Illinois, revealed diagnosis March 3, 2026
- What’s ruled out: No brain tumor, no relation to previous neck injury
- Return status: Back performing on DWTS tour, using Epley maneuver physical therapy
The Hospital Update That Sparked Fan Concern
Val Chmerkovskiy first alarmed fans on March 1 when he shared a video from a hospital bed in Peoria, Illinois. The three-time DWTS champion explained he had been experiencing severe vertigo for several days and needed medical tests to determine what was causing the dizziness.
He initially missed that night’s tour performance, leaving fans worried about what serious condition might be behind his sudden hospitalization. The ballroom pro had performed the show the previous night while already feeling unwell, pushing through despite the symptoms.
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BPPV Diagnosis Brings Massive Relief
On Tuesday evening March 3, Chmerkovskiy returned to Instagram with welcome news for concerned followers. He explained his diagnosis was benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), an inner ear disorder that causes spinning sensations.
The Dancing With the Stars pro emphasized the relief of ruling out worse possibilities. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, BPPV is the most common cause of vertigo, though causes vary from mild head trauma to inner ear diseases. Most importantly, it is treatable.
What Medical Experts Say About BPPV
| Medical Detail | Information |
| Full name | Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo |
| Type | Inner ear disorder affecting balance |
| Most common cause | Yes, accounting for most vertigo cases |
| Primary treatment | Epley maneuver physical therapy |
BPPV is caused by calcium crystals in the inner ear that become loose and misaligned. The Epley maneuver, a specific head movement technique, helps reposition these crystals. Healthcare providers say the condition is highly treatable with proper physical therapy.
“So, I got BPPV, which isn’t too bad, thank God. There’s no tumor in my brain, God forbid. And thankfully, it’s not related to my neck injury.”
— Val Chmerkovskiy, Dancing With the Stars Pro
Pro Dancer Ready to Return to the Ballroom
Chmerkovskiy showed remarkable resilience in his health update video, promising to return that same night. He acknowledged still feeling a little fuzzy but declared himself good enough to perform. The DWTS tour staff quickly arranged certified physical therapy focused on the Epley maneuver to help manage his symptoms.
His Milwaukee performance marked his comeback, with the tour continuing to Minneapolis, Kansas City, and Chicago. Fellow dancers and production staff rallied around him, demonstrating the tight-knit nature of the Dancing With the Stars family.
What’s Growing About the DWTS Universe in 2026?
Chmerkovskiy’s health scare comes amid an exciting expansion for Dancing With the Stars. In February 2026, ABC announced a new spinoff called Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro, which will search for the next elite ballroom dancer to join the legendary roster.
The veteran pro, who has been part of the show since 2011, will continue performing while Next Pro scouts fresh talent across America. Current DWTS tour features Emma Slater, Pasha Pashkov, Danielle Karagach, and rotating season 34 standouts, making 2026 a landmark year for the franchise.
Sources
- Entertainment Weekly – Val Chmerkovskiy reveals diagnosis after DWTS tour hospitalization
- Parade – DWTS Val Chmerkovskiy shares health update from hospital as fans send prayers
- Johns Hopkins Medicine – Medical information on benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
