Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a type of vertigo caused by ear rocks floating around in the inner ear canal, the part of your ear that senses your balance. Unlike some other forms of vertigo caused, for example, by inner ear trauma, BPPV may be curable with repositioning exercises that get the ear rocks out of the sensitive part of the inner ear. Sometimes surgery is necessary, but there has been success with repositional exercises (See References 1).
Semont Maneuver
To perform the Semont maneuver start in a seated position. A doctor turns your head 45 degrees horizontally toward the unaffected ear, then tilts your body 105 degrees (you will be lying on the side of the affected ear). Remain in this position for three minutes to allow the ear rocks to move to the apex of the ear canal. The doctor then rapidly moves you so you are lying on the side of the unaffected ear, where you remain for three minutes as the ear rocks move toward the exit of the ear canal. Following the second three-minute session, you are moved back to a seated position and the ear rocks should now be in a location where they do not cause vertigo.
Epley Maneuver
The Epley maneuver can be done unassisted, but your doctor may wish to go through the exercise with you before you try it at home. The Epley maneuver works on the same principle as the Semont of moving the ear rocks, but the specific sequence is different. To perform this maneuver for the right ear, sit up straight on a bed with your legs straight in front of you. Turn your head 45 degrees to the right or have a helper turn your head for you. Then, lie back with your head hanging off the bed, table or stretcher. Alternatively, place a pillow or bolster where your shoulders will lie so your head tilts back onto the bed. Turn your head 45 degrees to the left. Next, roll onto your left side and turn the head parallel to the bed. Continue turning the head another 45 degrees so it faces the bed or floor at an angle. Finish the maneuver by sitting up again and turning the head to look straight forward.
Brandt-Daroff Method
The Brandt-Daroff method is another repositioning exercise for the treatment of BPPV. This exercise is easily done at home on your bed. Stay in each position of the exercise until any dizziness goes away. Begin by sitting up sideways on your bed. Then, lie on your left side and rotate your head up 45 degrees so your nose points diagonally at the ceiling. Sit back up again and then repeat on the right by lying down and rotating your head up 45 degrees. Finish the exercise by sitting back up in the original position on your bed.
