Developed by physician Terrance Cawthorne, Cawthorne exercises, also referred to as Cawthorne-Cooksey exercises, are designed to combat severe vertigo that can be caused by disorders in your inner ear, according to the Jackson Ear Clinic. The exercises are designed to assist with stabilizing inner-ear motion over time, thus reducing the feelings of dizziness and vertigo.
Dizziness can be caused by a variety of conditions, from starting a new medication to wearing a new pair of glasses; but in some causes of dizziness are more severe and can be accompanied by nausea, severe headache or a change in vision. Consult your doctor before getting started on these exercises to determine whether they are right for you.
In Bed
This exercise begins by lying down in bed and looking up at the ceiling. Sit back up on the edge of your bed, and then lie back down and quickly turn your head until you are looking to the right. Sit back up, and then lie back down and turn your head and look toward your left. After performing these movements, doctors at the Jackson Ear Clinic advise sitting up, and then lying down on the left side of your body. Repeat this movement for the right side.
Perform this exercise five times, at least two to three times a day.
Sitting
Sit in a comfortable arm chair holding your torso and head stationary. Moving only your eyes, look up and then down. Dr. Douglas Hoffman recommends that you perform 10 repetitions of this eye motion and then perform 10 rapid repetitions looking right and then left. After completing this segment, begin moving your head and looking up and then down. Hoffman recommends that you perform 10 repetitions of this exercise and then perform 10 repetitions where you turn your head to the left and then right. After this is completed, bend forward at your waist and then sit upright. Repeat 10 times. Bend your waist to the left and then to the right and repeat 10 times.
Standing
Repeat the progressive exercises listed above, and then begin by sitting down and standing up with your eyes open at first, then closed. Toss a ball or other small object from one hand to another while your hands are above your eye level. Toss the ball or object from one hand to the other while your hands are under your knee. Sit down and then stand up while turning a full 360 degrees, according to the Ear, Nose and Throat Center of Littleton, CO.
