How to Treat Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) at Home with the Epley Maneuver
How to perform the Epley Maneuver at home for BPPV
The Epley Maneuver is a specific exercise used to treat a condition called benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), which is a type of dizziness that occurs due to a problem with the inner ear. BPPV makes up 20% of episodes of dizziness and vertigo. The Epley Maneuver is a way to help reposition out-of-place calcium-carbonate crystals to their correct location. If you have the correct diagnosis and have performed the maneuver correctly, this can lead to the resolution of your symptoms. A vestibular physiotherapist can help ensure you have the correct diagnosis.
If you are experiencing vertigo, and have been diagnosed with BPPV by your doctor or vestibular physical therapist, you may be wondering how to perform the Epley Maneuver at home. First, make sure you know which side your BPPV is on, as the Epley Maneuver will only be successful if you are treating the correct canal and the correct side. The Epley maneuver is specifically designed to treat the posterior canal which makes up approximately 90% of BPPV cases.
If you have not seen your doctor or local vestibular physiotherapist, please make sure to book an appointment to ensure that you have the correct diagnosis and that all red flags have been cleared.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to perform the Epley Maneuver at home:
Find a flat surface and a pillow. Your bed is a great location to perform the Epley maneuver. A couch or the floor will work as well.
Make sure you have a bag or garbage can nearby. This maneuver will bring on your symptoms and can cause nausea and vomiting.
Sit on the bed with your feet straight out in front of you. Place the pillow right behind your back. Turn your head 45 degrees to the affected side. For the sake of this example, we will assume that the BPPV is occurring on the right. Turn your head 45deg to the right.
Lie onto your back, keeping your head turned at 45deg to the right the entire time. When you are lying down, the pillow should be under your shoulder blades. Your head should hang extended off the edge of the pillow, with the top of your head resting on the bed. It is important that your head is extended.
Wait in this position until your symptoms resolve plus 1 more minute.
Turn your head to the left, keeping the back of your head on the bed in an extended position the entire time.
Wait in this position until your symptoms resolve plus 1 more minute.
Turn your body so you are lying on your left-hand side and look towards the floor. Keep the back of your head on the bed in an extended position the entire time.
Wait in this position until your symptoms resolve plus 1 more minute.
Continue looking at the ground as you sit up on the left side of the bed.
You have now completed the Epley Maneuver
Please watch the below video for more in-depth instructions!
You may experience some dizziness after each movement in the exercise. This is normal and expected during this maneuver. Make sure to wait until dizziness resolves plus one additional minute between each movement. It is also important to note that the Epley maneuver should only be performed if it has been recommended by a healthcare provider. If you are experiencing dizziness, vertigo, or other symptoms that you think may be related to BPPV, it is important to seek medical attention from a doctor or vestibular physiotherapist and follow the treatment plan recommended by your healthcare provider.
If you are someone you know is experiencing Vertigo or BPPV please call us, email us or book online so we can help!
