Vertigo is a sensation that occurs when you stand up too quickly and the room starts to spin around you.
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo usually affects people over the age of 50 and is more common in women than in men. However, younger people can also get Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo but often have had a previous head injury. Head injury is also the most common cause of bilateral Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.
- Benign: not life-threatening
- Episodic: symptoms appear suddenly
- Location: symptoms occur when the head changes position
- Vertigo: the feeling that the room is spinning.
If you have Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, you may consider trying the following 3 exercises to control it:
1. Epley maneuver
The Epley maneuver is the most common home treatment for Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and is considered the most effective of the home exercises. You will need a bed and a pillow to do this.
Do the following for Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo with your LEFT ear:
- Start by sitting on the bed with a pillow behind you. Position the pillow so that when you lie down, it is under your shoulder. Turn your head 45° to the affected side (in this case, the left).
- Lie back quickly with your shoulders on the pillow and your head straight on the bed. Do this for 30 seconds.
- Turn your head 90° to the right without lifting it. Do this for another 30 seconds.
- Turn your entire body and head another 90° to the right into the bed. Do this for another 30 seconds.
- Sit up and keep your head straight.
Do the following for Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo with your RIGHT ear:
- Start by sitting on the bed with a pillow behind you. Position the pillow so that when you lie down, it is under your shoulder. Turn your head 45° to the right.
- Lie on your back quickly with your shoulders on a pillow and your head flat on the bed. Do this for 30 seconds.
- Turn your head 90° to the left without lifting it. Do this for another 30 seconds.
- Turn your entire body and head another 90° to the left into the bed. Do this for another 30 seconds.
- Sit up straight and keep your head straight.
You can do this up to 3 times a day or as recommended by your healthcare provider. Stop when your symptoms have improved for at least 24 hours. Your healthcare provider may recommend that you sleep with your upper body elevated after performing the Epley maneuver.
2. Half-somesomersault
Another option for treating Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo at home is the Half-some somersault, also known as the Foster maneuver. Each position should be held for at least 15 seconds but should be held until the dizziness subsides.
Do the following for Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo in your LEFT ear:
- Start in a kneeling position with your hands on the ground. Quickly tilt your head back. Hold this position for 15 seconds or until the dizziness stops.
- Then do a half-turn forward, tucking your chin toward your knees. Hold this position for 15 seconds or until the dizziness stops.
- Next, turn your head 45° to the left, toward your left elbow. Hold this position for 15 seconds or until the dizziness stops.
- While keeping your head tilted 45° to the left, push up by straightening your arms to raise your head to shoulder level. Hold this position for 15 seconds or until the dizziness stops.
- While still keeping your head tilted 45° to the left, tilt your head back. Hold this position for 15 seconds or until the dizziness stops.
Do the following for Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo in your RIGHT ear:
- Start in a kneeling position with your hands on the ground. Quickly tilt your head back. Hold this position for 15 seconds or until the dizziness stops.
- Then do a half-turn forward, tucking your chin toward your knees. Hold this position for 15 seconds or until the dizziness stops.
- Next, turn your head 45° to the right, toward your right elbow. Hold this position for 15 seconds or until the dizziness stops.
- While keeping your head tilted 45° to the right, push up by straightening your arms to raise your head to shoulder level. Hold this position for 15 seconds or until the dizziness stops.
- While still keeping your head tilted 45° to the right, tilt your head back. Hold this position for 15 seconds or until the dizziness stops.
Do this several times a day, resting for at least 15 minutes between each.
3. Semont maneuver
Do the following for Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo with your LEFT ear:
- While sitting on the edge of the bed, turn your head 45° to the right.
- Quickly lie down on your left side. Do this for 30 seconds.
- While keeping your head tilted 45° to the right, quickly roll over to your right side, keeping your head facing the ground. Do this for 30 seconds.
- Slowly sit up and hold your head forward for 2 minutes.
Do the following for Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo with your RIGHT ear:
- While sitting on the edge of the bed, turn your head 45° to the left.
- Quickly lie down on your right side. Do this for 30 seconds.
- While keeping your head tilted 45° to the left, quickly roll over to your left side, keeping your head facing the ground. Do this for 30 seconds.
- Slowly sit up and hold your head forward for 2 minutes.
You can do this up to 3 times a day or as directed by your healthcare provider. Stop when symptoms have improved for at least 24 hours.
