Hello,
There is a condition called BENIGN PAROXYSMAL POSITIONAL
VERTIGO (BPPV) which could be correctly referred to as a "peripheral" vertigo. It is common in all people above age 55.
It is as a result of some degeneration in the
INNER ear apparatus where balance is executed and signals sent to the brain via the
VESTIBULOCOCHLEAR nerve.
There is a set of exercises you could look up on the internet on YOUTUBE called the Brandt-Daroff Exercises.
They will show you exactly how you can help your father (or how a specialist such as a
neurologist or neuro-otologist or even
ENT specialist) without much effort though you have to follow the instructions carefully and perform these exercises for at least 7-10 days before your father may experience full relief.
Also, in 50% of cases the condition may return after successful treatment in which case you need to repeat the whole set of exercises for another 7-10 days and so forth.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Dariush Saghafi, Neurologist