The Daroff exercises for vertigo, also known as the Brandt-Daroff exercises, are used to treat benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, or BPPV. The exercises work by dislodging minute calcium carbonate crystals in the inner ear, which affect balance and spatial awareness. If you have been treated with the Epley or Semont maneuvers for vertigo, do not use the Brandt-Daroff exercises unless a physician specifically instructs you to do so. The exercises should be repeated two or three times a day for about twenty days. If your vertigo persists, consult a physician.
Center Position
Practice the center position in the Daroff exercises. You will be returning to this position regularly throughout the exercise, according to Dr. Timothy C. Hain, M.D. Sit upright on the edge of a bed with your back straight and your head facing forward. Turn your head until it is at about a 45-degree angle with your body. You will perform either the left or right maneuver, according to which direction you have turned your head, according to Marin Physical Therapy. If your head is facing toward your right, you will move left first; if it is facing left, you will move right first.
Left and Right Exercises
From the center position, according to Marin Physical Therapy, start the left and right portions of the exercise by lying down quickly on the side opposite the direction your head is turned. This will probably cause your vertigo symptoms. Wait until the dizziness has passed, then sit up quickly, returning to the center position with your head facing straight forward. If you have dizziness again, wait for it to pass. Then, turn your head in the opposite direction and lie down quickly on your other side, again waiting for any dizziness to pass before you return to the center position. Repeat this exercise at least five times, two or three times a day.
Additional Exercises
According to Marin Physical Therapy, there are several exercises and treatments you can use to supplement the Brandt-Daroff exercises. If you find yourself becoming dizzy while standing, place your hands on top of your head and interlace your fingers. Push your hands downward against your head while breathing deeply. Another exercise requires an area of open wall space. Stand against the wall as straight as possible, with your feet, buttocks, back and head touching the wall. Finally, if you are dizzy when lying down, try sleeping in a semi-upright position in a recliner with a blanket on top of you.
