First described in 1897, benign positional vertigo, or BPV, is the most common cause of vertigo -- a condition in which an individual wrongly interprets movement stimulus as a result of a positioning disorder inside the ear. Many conditions mimic BPV, so see your doctor for a diagnosis. BPV can be treated with a series of exercises, including the Epley maneuver, the Modified Epley maneuver, Brandt-Daroff exercises and vestibular rehabilitation. Do not do these unless your doctor approves.
Modified Epley Maneuver
The full Epley maneuver is performed by health professionals, but you can safely perform the modified version at home just before bedtime. The purpose of this exercise is to restore structures inside your ear to their proper position. It is especially good for sufferers of frequent vertigo. To do the maneuver, lie with your head resting on your bed and your shoulders supported with a pillow. Stay in that position for 30 seconds, then sit up for one minute. Repeat this three times.
Brandt-Daroff Exercises
The purpose of these home exercises is to loosen and disperse inner ear debris. Do not do them without your doctor's permission. Sit on the side of your bed
with your head rotated your 45 degrees to the right. Close your eyes and lie down to the opposite side as quickly as you can until your head touches the bed on the left side. Next, keep your nose up and the side of the back of your head on the bed; maintain this position for 30 seconds, then sit up. Now, turn your head to the left, and repeat the steps, following the same sequence. Perform six cycles three times a day and continue until you become free of vertigo for at least 48 hours.
Vestibular Rehabilitation
This exercise is simply doing things that would normally induce your vertigo, such as rapid movement. This simulates your brain to adapt. Because it is relatively ineffective, vestibular rehabilitation exercises are considered as front-line treatment only.
Warning
Repositioning exercises can have complications, include fainting, vomiting and severe vertigo. They can also be very difficult for elderly people to perform. Seek immediate medical attention if you have signs of hearing loss, a headache, a problem with controlling your gait or uncontrollable, rapid eye movements called nystagmus. All BPV exercises should be performed only under strict medical guidance.
