If turning or tipping your head causes lightheadedness that quickly turns to room-spinning dizziness, you may be suffering from vertigo. Vertigo is an inner ear disturbance that can result from head trauma, a viral infection, a post-surgery effect or -- according to Dr. Timothy C. Hain of the Chicago Dizziness and Hearing Clinic -- can occur for no obvious reason. Although the Brandt-Daroff exercises are no longer the most popular form of home treatment for vertigo, your doctor may want you to use them, especially if he cannot determine which ear is the offending side.
Objective
The Brandt-Daroff exercises attempt to teach your brain and vestibular system to ignore head and body movements that typically lead to vertigo symptoms. You accomplish this by consistently performing maneuvers that lead to its onset, a process Marin Physical Therapy of San Rafael, California calls learning by habituation.
Time Frame
Although Dr. Hain states that Brandt-Daroff exercises are effective in about 95 percent of patients, they do not produce quick results. You will need to perform five repetitions totaling about 10 minutes, three times each day for at least two weeks, or twice each day for at least three weeks, even though you may see results after about 10 days. Continuing Brandt Daroff exercises past this time will not, according to Dr. Hain, prevent vertigo symptoms from recurring.
Procedure
Each exercise repetition involves four positions, starting by sitting upright on your bed. Then in one quick motion, lie on your side, preferably the side causing the worst vertigo symptoms, with your head tilting slightly upward. Remain lying on your side for 30 seconds. If lying down causes vertigo symptoms, remain in this position for at least 30 seconds past the time symptoms subside. Sit up and remain sitting for 30 seconds or 30 seconds past the time symptoms subside, if they occur. Finally, quickly lie on your opposite side, remaining in position for 30 seconds or 30 seconds past the time vertigo symptoms subside. Repeat this exercise for five repetitions.
Warning
Talk to your doctor before performing Brandt-Daroff exercises for vertigo, especially if you do not have a clear diagnosis. Other medical conditions, including compression of vertebral arteries, a brain tumor or a stroke can cause vertigo-like symptoms. If while performing Brandt-Daroff exercises you experience effects such as weakness, numbness or unusual vision, Dr. Hain advises you to stop exercising immediately and call your doctor as these may be symptoms of a more serious condition.
