Vertigo is a term used to describe the sensation that a room is spinning. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is characterized by episodes of vertigo lasting seconds to minutes that coincide with changes in head position. BPPV is caused when calcium particles that are normally in one part of the inner ear become dislodged and settle in other parts of the inner ear. Certain maneuvers can relieve BPPV symptoms by helping to dislodge the stuck deposits.
The Epley Maneuver
To perform the Epley maneuver, begin by sitting on a bed facing forward. Turn your head about 45 degrees in the direction that produces your vertigo. Next, lay back on the bed, and let your head hang over the side. Then, turn your head until it is rotated about 45 degrees in the opposite direction. Finally, continue rotating your head until you are looking at the floor. Your body positioning may have to change during these maneuvers. Hold each position for 30 seconds. If the vertigo persists after completing these steps, repeat up to two times.
Brandt and Daroff Exercises
If the Epley maneuvers don't work for you, the University of Maryland Hearing and Balance Center recommends the Brandt and Daroff exercises for BPPV. To perform these, sit on the edge of your bed and rapidly lie down on your side, rotating your head 45 degrees so that you are looking up at the ceiling. Hold this position for 30 seconds. Sit up, stay upright and stare straight ahead for 30 seconds, and repeat the motion on the other side of your body. Complete at least five repetitions per set, and try to do at least two sets a day for several weeks.
Semont Maneuver
The Semont maneuver is conceptually similar to the Brandt and Daroff exercises, except that more time is spent in each position. To perform the Semont maneuver, otolaryngologist Dr. Emmanuel Levratt and colleagues say you should begin by holding your head in the Brandt and Daroff "triggering position" -- that is, lying on your side toward the side that gives you vertigo and rotating your head 45 degrees -- for at least two minutes. This is followed by a rapid reversal so that you are laying on the opposite side, head down. The latter position is held for three minutes, and the maneuver is complete.
References
- "Current Diagnosis and Treatment in Otolaryngology"; Anil K. Lalwani (editor); 2008
- The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
- University of Maryland Medical Center Hearing and Balance Center: Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
- "Archives of Otolaryngology -- Head and Neck Surgery"; Efficacy of the Semont Maneuver in Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo; Emmanuel Levrat, Guy van Melle, Philippe Monnier, Raphael Maire; June 2003
