BPP stands for benign paroxysmal positioning vertigo. The vertigo, a vestibular disorder, results from loose particles located throughout the inner ear. Vestibular rehabilitation exercises for BPP vertigo concentrate on repositioning particles and reducing symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, lightheadedness and imbalance while moving the head and body. For best results, do exercises during the morning, afternoon and evening. Check with your doctor first, since exercises may not be for your individual condition.
Head and Body Turning
Exercises for BPP vertigo can combine whole body movements with gentle head turning. Start using a body positioning exercise known as Brandt-Daroff that involves sitting upright on a bed with your feet firmly planted on the floor, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Let your body quickly drop to the right side, placing your legs onto the bed. Turn your head to a 45-degree angle toward the ceiling as if looking at someone standing 6 feet away. Hold this position 30 seconds, or until dizziness stops. Slowly move your head to look straight ahead. Return to sitting position for 30 seconds with head and eyes pointed straight ahead. Repeat this exercise to your left side. Do this exercise five times.
Head Rotating
Work on improving your BPP vertigo by using a technique developed by Dr. John Epley known as the Epley maneuver. Start the exercise by lying on your back on a comfortable surface such as a bed or sofa with your head in a neutral position, faced toward the ceiling. Quickly move your head to the right. Hold for 30 seconds. Return head to original position. Quickly move head to left and hold 30 seconds. Return to original position. Quickly move body to lie on left side. Hold 30 seconds. Return to upright position. Relax 30 seconds. Repeat exercise five times.
Quick Body Flops
Another option for improving your BPP vertigo involves using the Semont maneuver, otherwise known as the "liberatory" maneuver, according to Timothy C. Hain, M.D. Work on repositioning your inner ear particles by starting the exercise while lying on your back in bed, head facing the ceiling. Quickly turn your entire body onto your right side with your head facing straight ahead. Hold position for 30 seconds. Quickly move your body to lie on your left side. Hold 30 seconds. Repeat exercise 10 times.
Purposeful Dizziness
Causing yourself to get dizzy can be an effective BPP vertigo exercise, notes Hain. Identify what positioning causes your dizziness and do exercises that improve your vestibular compensation, according to the Vestibular Disorders Association. Place yourself in a safe environment where falling or injury cannot occur, such as sitting in bed or in a firm chair. Quickly move your head in the direction that causes your dizziness. Do not move eyes. Hold two seconds. Quickly return to original position. Repeat exercise five times.
