Positional vertigo exercises

BPPV stands for Beginning Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo. It manifests itself as a feeling of dizziness which may last from as short as a few seconds up to a full minute. The cause of it is a problem within the inner ear, which in turn triggers the sense of disorientation, which then in its own turn may well trigger one of the following:

the sense of the sky spinning around one's head

dizziness

nausea

or even vomiting.

That's why we've got Beginning Positional Vertigo Exercises. Their goal is to help maintain the body's balance, which in turn reduces the chances of a vertigo happening.

Epley Maneuver

This is an exercised during which one is to positions the head in four sequential movements. The steps are as follow.

From a sitting upright position, and while keeping the head at an angle of 45 degrees, one is to lie down on the back.

After 5 minutes, the head is to be turned for 90 degrees to the opposite side. That is to say, it is then to be tilted at a 45 degree angle to the other side.

After another 5 minutes, one is to turn one's body onto the side, with the face positioning downwards.

Five minutes later, one is to sit up again, and remain there for about 30 seconds.

These four steps are to be repeated 3-5 times.

Semont Maneuver

This exercise involves swift movements of the head, from side to side.

from a sitting upright position, the head is to be turned 45 degrees horizontally, towards the unaffected ear.

Next, the head is to be tilted to the other side for 105 degrees, so that the person is then lying on the side of the affected ear. The head is hanging and facing upwards. This position is to be kept for about 3 – 5 minutes.

One is to remain in the same position, except lying on the side of the unaffected ear, with the nose pointing downwards. It should last for another 3 – 5 minutes.

Then one is to move back to the initial sitting position and relax.

Brandt-Daroff Exercise

This exercise involves swift shifts between a sitting and a lying position.

While sitting straight on the edge of a bed, the person is to turn the head, just slightly, to the left – the angle is to be close to 45 degrees.

Then he or she is to lie down on the back as quickly as possible, remaining in the position for about 20 to 30 seconds.

Then, the person is to sit up straight, and remain so for another 20 to 30 seconds.

Now the person is to turn the head slightly to the right, and lie down on the back, but to the left side.

After 20 to 30 seconds, one is to sit up, and repeat the procedure.

Conclusively, it is important to note that none of the above ought to be performed for the first time without the supervision of a medical professional.